Today I was reading some comments following my football team's first game of the year, in an away match in Poland. It was a tricky tie, and they lost narrowly 1-0, but have a return game to play on their home territory.
The manager was upbeat and positive despite the loss.
And some people slated him for it. They said that only in our country could we celebrate a loss, and only a manager of our nationality could think not losing too many goals was a success.
I disagree with that. I imagine these people come from the old school of management that says if you shout at people loud enough and criticise them publicly, they'll pull their socks up and do better next time.
But it made me think - what was Jesus' managerial style?
He managed a team of 12 people, with more following. He organised them - sending out 72 in pairs with instructions how to proceed (Luke 10: 1-24). He was a role model to them (they followed their Rabbi closely, learning from watching him). He answered their questions when they had burning issues, so clearly he made time for them. He wasn't passive and laissez faire, because he took action, but nor was he overbearing and harsh. He appreciated the value of time out and going to a quiet place. He liked a good party. He practised what he preached. He lay down his life for his friends.
I'd like to play for his football team. Oh, I do.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Sometimes everyone's wrong...
It seems deeply ingrained in human nature to want to be right. I know I'm right when I say that... ;-)
But seriously, have you ever noticed in deeply heated arguments, people sometimes just want to hold on to their position, not so much because they believe it, but darn you, because I refuse to give in!?
From God's perspective, I think he measures things differently. We obsess about being right. He is probably more concerned about showing love. Of course, we need to look to God for how to do this, but especially in theological debates, I think both sides can be "in the wrong" even if one side is "right".
If you've read other posts on this blog, you'll have seen me refer to Romans 14. This is one of my favourite passages, not because I like what it says, but because it really takes me out of my comfort zone.
A group of "conservative/traditional" believers was in a minority. They were in the same church as some "non-conservative/traditional" believers. Trouble was brewing. Paul wrote to them and told them to grow up. Well, I paraphrase a bit. He actually told them to stop condemning each other. Interestingly, he agreed with one side (the non-conservative group, and he even called the other side "weak" in faith), but he didn't side with them. He sides with the Church, and that includes all Christian viewpoints.
I know not everyone reading this will agree, but I think we often can't see the wood for the trees and in our attempt to be right, we end up becoming so, so, wrong.
But seriously, have you ever noticed in deeply heated arguments, people sometimes just want to hold on to their position, not so much because they believe it, but darn you, because I refuse to give in!?
From God's perspective, I think he measures things differently. We obsess about being right. He is probably more concerned about showing love. Of course, we need to look to God for how to do this, but especially in theological debates, I think both sides can be "in the wrong" even if one side is "right".
If you've read other posts on this blog, you'll have seen me refer to Romans 14. This is one of my favourite passages, not because I like what it says, but because it really takes me out of my comfort zone.
A group of "conservative/traditional" believers was in a minority. They were in the same church as some "non-conservative/traditional" believers. Trouble was brewing. Paul wrote to them and told them to grow up. Well, I paraphrase a bit. He actually told them to stop condemning each other. Interestingly, he agreed with one side (the non-conservative group, and he even called the other side "weak" in faith), but he didn't side with them. He sides with the Church, and that includes all Christian viewpoints.
I know not everyone reading this will agree, but I think we often can't see the wood for the trees and in our attempt to be right, we end up becoming so, so, wrong.
Want to discuss the Bible and Homosexuality? This is the place!
As long as people are respectful of one another, I'm happy to have discussion about the "big debate" regarding the Bible and homosexuality (from a Christian perspective). If you want to know my thoughts on it, read previous posts. Please just be aware that for anyone wrestling with their sexuality, it can be a very difficult time, so bear this in mind in how you express yourself. God bless.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)