Sometimes it is necessary to get it off your chest. Well, here goes. It has often been said, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen!” But being kicked out is another story.
Life deals blows without regard to our feelings or positions. Often we are disrespected as comrades or family. People that cannot take criticism will find difficulty in getting through life without unnecessary trauma. I have experienced many emotions during the past several months. There have been moments of complete reactive anger at individuals and their lack of compassion. The hypocrisy is rampant among those that preach biblical values for living. Two-faced religious morons are running rampant in our world.
I can take abuse and mistreatment because the truth sustains me. Everyone is subject to criticism of their words, beliefs, and actions. This happens because we live in a world of diversity. Though we may adhere firmly to our positions, lessons can be learned if the criticism is used constructively. It shouldn’t matter if it is delivered in a favorable manner or not.
Being offended and giving offense is inevitable if you are a living, breathing human being. Our reaction to offenses will determine our future. Yes, I have been offended. And yes, I have recovered. The principle is to learn from all situations. I cannot fret over bad stuff and what should have been, but I can avoid it repeating.
Through my recent betrayal I have resigned myself to accept the results knowing they have worked out for my good. But it remains an awful feeling to have had a close friend of like profession call you a thief to someone else and deny you audience to explain and question the involvement. I call it slanderous and malicious intent to practice nepotism. It is flagrant abuse of power.
In my opinion there was ulterior motive that moved a leader to make such statement. I would welcome a rebuttal if deemed a necessary defense. That would be better than the total abandonment I have been delivered. In my usual gentle way I have allowed the powers that be walk all over me. Maybe the win is on their side for now but I would remind them that you reap what you sow.
The demeanor in which the situation was handled to remove me instantaneously from my livelihood was clearly a matter of collusion without regard for my personal interests and defense. The intent was to harm. To not even face me was a travesty, instead he sent his "hit" man. Wimpy methodology.
The action was carried out in a spineless manner. It was done with malicious intent which was unethical, illegal and unchristian. You cannot cover the action with any amount of paint and make it go away. Judgment day will reveal the intricate plotting that was revealed to me through a prophecy from an uninvolved person.
Do not call me friend and refuse to call me. If you cared you would have already addressed me or paid a visit to me. You have my number which remains the same. You know my address. You have acted in an unprofessional way and I put you in the category of Pharisee. Don’t cover up your sin by convincing others you are a godly person through religious practices.
It may sound like I am bitter. I am not, for I am better off. Today I am out from under the pressure of excessive legalism and control by the uneducated or immature. Since separation my vision of the forest is clearer, too close to the trees blocked the truth.
It may sound like I have not followed the Scripture in forgiveness. However, when you consider the responsibility of an office held by a superior there is a precedent of how a leader should lead. It is a two-way street,.
I did not initiate the action that brought my dismissal – the leader permitted it. To say he had nothing to do with it is preposterous and without foundation, the very position served as support and anchor of the certainty for the action. The office should have served as a mediation tool to bring reconciliation. You cannot hope to resolve conflict without a close examination of both sides. Permission was granted for such action to take place and there is guilt of malpractice in the position of authority and leadership.
An apology would be in order. Friendship will never be the same; the water of time has damaged the bridge to that type of relationship.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
FAR FROM GOD?
“Qui est près de l’église est souvent loin de Dieu (He who is near the Church is often far from God).” —Les Proverbes Communs. Circa 1500. John Heywood. (1497?–1580?)
In a routine search of the internet I discovered the above quote. It aroused my interest to discuss on my blog. Although the quote was recorded in the 16th century I believe it is relevant yet today. My approach to discuss this statement is not with intent to degrade the work of the church. That is as long as it conforms to God’s purpose and plan established in Scripture. Rather, it is of concern for leaving God out of the plan.
My question would be: Why was or is such statement issued? There must be something of a problem in the church as an organization to warrant such pronouncement. After all, Jesus declared He would “build His church.” Would we dare declare such a negative thing as cited above in light of Jesus’ involvement? It has been said that the church should be a living, breathing organism. The true church is thus made up of living souls of men, women, and children and clearly proclaims Deity.
My consideration of this statement leads me to believe man has placed erroneous emphasis on the purpose of the church. Perhaps it is replacing God with a religion.
A Godly spiritual person can recognize the truth of the statement. The rules and systems of the church have become controlling factors without the due recognition of God. When the church operation deviates from its Godly purpose then it brings separation from God.
It is evident to me that this statement holds true throughout history unto the present day. When emphasis and nearness is placed upon the church rather than the supreme founder of the church, then we have lost focus of its original intent and purpose.
The church is a significant tool designed by God to enable people to congregate and worship Him in unity. Within that realm are the teaching of Scripture, singing of Psalms and hymns and witness of God’s works. The corporate assembly is a strengthening element for those of like faith. We are instructed by the Word to encourage one another daily, the church becomes a means to do that. Scripture instructs us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Everything points to the need of such institution, but the institution cannot become greater than the purpose for which it was designed.
Being nearer to the church than God occurs when the building and accoutrements become idolized. Those things to manage and make a church useful should never take precedence over the presentation of God’s plan within the framework Jesus established. The nearness to the church oft far from God, where “oft” is the key word, does not say the church should be eliminated from our worship by any means.
The more we advance in our knowledge of God, i.e., maturing, (see my earlier blog) the easier it will be to understand the means (e.g., the institution of the church) of His special presence. Balance is the key factor. I believe this is where the spirit within us gives direction that exalts God as was the intent of His establishment of the church. Thus in His exaltation He moves to save, heal, and bless. Place your affection on Jesus not on the aesthetics around you. God will visit where people are in one mind and one accord.
In a routine search of the internet I discovered the above quote. It aroused my interest to discuss on my blog. Although the quote was recorded in the 16th century I believe it is relevant yet today. My approach to discuss this statement is not with intent to degrade the work of the church. That is as long as it conforms to God’s purpose and plan established in Scripture. Rather, it is of concern for leaving God out of the plan.
My question would be: Why was or is such statement issued? There must be something of a problem in the church as an organization to warrant such pronouncement. After all, Jesus declared He would “build His church.” Would we dare declare such a negative thing as cited above in light of Jesus’ involvement? It has been said that the church should be a living, breathing organism. The true church is thus made up of living souls of men, women, and children and clearly proclaims Deity.
My consideration of this statement leads me to believe man has placed erroneous emphasis on the purpose of the church. Perhaps it is replacing God with a religion.
A Godly spiritual person can recognize the truth of the statement. The rules and systems of the church have become controlling factors without the due recognition of God. When the church operation deviates from its Godly purpose then it brings separation from God.
It is evident to me that this statement holds true throughout history unto the present day. When emphasis and nearness is placed upon the church rather than the supreme founder of the church, then we have lost focus of its original intent and purpose.
The church is a significant tool designed by God to enable people to congregate and worship Him in unity. Within that realm are the teaching of Scripture, singing of Psalms and hymns and witness of God’s works. The corporate assembly is a strengthening element for those of like faith. We are instructed by the Word to encourage one another daily, the church becomes a means to do that. Scripture instructs us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Everything points to the need of such institution, but the institution cannot become greater than the purpose for which it was designed.
Being nearer to the church than God occurs when the building and accoutrements become idolized. Those things to manage and make a church useful should never take precedence over the presentation of God’s plan within the framework Jesus established. The nearness to the church oft far from God, where “oft” is the key word, does not say the church should be eliminated from our worship by any means.
The more we advance in our knowledge of God, i.e., maturing, (see my earlier blog) the easier it will be to understand the means (e.g., the institution of the church) of His special presence. Balance is the key factor. I believe this is where the spirit within us gives direction that exalts God as was the intent of His establishment of the church. Thus in His exaltation He moves to save, heal, and bless. Place your affection on Jesus not on the aesthetics around you. God will visit where people are in one mind and one accord.
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