Skip to main content

Slow to Speak

I have a special concern for you church leaders. I know what it's like to be a leader, in on Christ's sufferings as wells as the coming glory. Here's my concern: that you care for God's flock with all the diligence of a shepherd. Not because you have to, but because you want to please God. Not calculating what you can get out of it, but acting spontaneously. Not bossily telling others what to do, but tenderly showing them the way. When God, who is the best shepherd of all, comes out in the open with his rule, he'll see that you've done it right and commend you lavishly. And you who are younger must follow your leaders. But all of you, leaders and followers alike, are to be down to earth with each other, for -- "God has had it with the proud,  But takes delight in just plain people." So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's strong hand is on you; he'll promote you at the right time. Live carefree before God; his is most careful with you. 1 Peter 5:1-7 msg

 


If there's something I really appreciate about the Message translation, it's the modern context of it. I worry that the translation won't hold up because it's so idiomatic, but it speaks wonderfully right now. Add into that the clarity with which Peter writes and it's a winning combination of CLEAR! It's obvious that Peter just plain lived out the Message. He didn't put on airs or try to win folks with flowery language. He boisterously got down to the point. I appreciate that. I need to pursue more of that. Because I certainly can put on airs, and I can certainly be unclear. James, Peter, and Wendell Berry might all be leading me to a more bridled tongue, not saying something until I know it is valuable to say it. 

Heavenly Father, when people call me out I get defensive and angry. Help me to say what is useful and what is right; not to put on airs or retaliate. Help me to be a man who builds up others with words, starting in my house. 

In Jesus Name,

Amen


Note:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_G._Ingersoll

http://andrewhidas.com/robert-ingersolls-eulogy-of-walt-whitman/

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Meditation as Rightly Concentrated Consideration | Contemplation as The Course of Right Action

Let us begin by saying that the basic difference between meditation and contemplation is that meditation is a human mode of prayer whereas contemplation is divinely infused prayer. This morning I consider, consideration. It's a term often used in the Bible, I believe in both the old and new testament. While you are going about your life, have you considered this... It's the entryway to the contemplative life. I use contemplation there, as a culminating thing, intentionally. Before I read a little bit, I might have considered using the word meditation instead, but that reveals my persuasion and error; also my inexperience. Meditation is man-initiated deep-thought. It's hope is to reach God. Contemplation, as exposed in the article below, is Spirit-breathed prayer inside of us, guiding us to right and holy actions. As I was searching consideration "vs" the other 2 terms, concentration came up. Presently, I see that as the course from consideration to meditation....
Post a Comment
Read more

Abide.

March 8th And now abide these three, faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13 John 15. Jesus is at his most concise and articulate. John remembers. Time is short. Jesus has to summarize how they are to live after He is gone and, because it may get hard, why . His guidance weaves into and out of God; it abides and commands. For love and joy. It makes friends. And something else. Jesus didn't have to come. He could have let this place alone. And that's probably why those who hated Him really hated Him. He told them they were wrong. He messed up their flow and their designs. They had a pretty good handle on things, managing the masses, and He was disruptive... for what reason?!  But He did come. And He did call a spade a spade. And He did come with a double edged sword. He made clear what the choice was. And the benefits on one hand, the dangers on the other. 
Post a Comment
Read more

A Quantitative Approach to Quality

Jess and I have been going through the struggles of middle-aged-ness. I've gotten heavier. I'm searching for renewed meaning in the face of the consistent sameness I experience on the day to day. Our sex life is lacking something. For Jess, I think the same things could be said. At the same time, there is a lot to be excited about! We're moving out of home ownership into a "lighter" way of living, considering job prospects and next options, and wondering about school for Sadie. I come to find that no matter the age, there is always a lot going on. But each age has its characteristic struggles. As I come on my 40s, I have a lot to think about regarding the way I do life. It's a pivotal age in considering how long I want to do life. Given my family's age, how well I want to do life. And given my own disposition, how much do I want out of life? These considerations really began at sex. I was thinking about quality vs quantity, and how the God way of ...
Post a Comment
Read more