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by Chet Harris
Second Word of Encouragement for United Methodist: “Focus” during the hyphenated months before us.
The revealing of the ‘Protocols’ have caused a cascade of articles, Facebook posts, and conversations all centered on attempting to figure out the cosmos of implications inherent in a document that is more of a declaration stated in bullet points, rather than a detailed plan directing a denominational path out of the wilderness of conflicting worldviews. I am one of those people who have extensively riddled my way through each of the points and discussed my bias with all who would listen. I am certainly not alone in this academic exercise. We must remember the ‘Protocol’ must become an acceptable statement of legislation at General Conference traversing the map of our current Discipline as well as our constitution without colliding into the forbidden areas. There will be a plethora of delegates at General Conference ready to call to question any part of the ‘Protocol’ that fails the test of our polity.
I want to suggest that all of us, regardless of being to dial down our speculations and focus. How are we living and serving God during the space of time between the Protocols and the decision of the General Conference? The best way I can describe this time slot in our life is living in the hyphenated, the uncertain months characterized by a hyphen between the Protocol and General Conference. (Protocol – General Conference)
Let us focus on the Lordship of Jesus in our life and ministry as laity and clergy. Remember what is and always will be the mainstay of our connection to God. All before us is a question of Lordship. Do we love God more than our personal agenda in life and ministry? Do we love God to the point that we can place at the foot of His throne our desire to have our own way? Do we love God enough to say no to desires and wants that are outside the counsel of the Bible? Will the Lordship of Jesus overcome our connection to the world’s way of doing life?
Our denominational world awaits the decision at General Conference. The religious pundits revel in the what ifs, that fill columns of print. Seriously, the world is not interested in our Lordship focus, but God is desperate to know that His people are willing to focus on the Lordship of Jesus. It is of utmost priority for all of us to focus on Lordship of Jesus in the days before us. If we fail at this spiritual decision the future will become tainted with the machinations of well-meaning believers, but void of true intimacy with God.
Focus on Lordship!
2 Corinthians 4:5 “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as LORD, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake.”
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Chet Harris.
Regional Director East Ohio WCA
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