The past 8 years has brought this issue into focus. It has been exhausting reacting to and championing moral issues. Though there is clearly right and wrong sides, it is not the battleground. We can have definite views of right and wrong and different ways to go about resolving what to do. Yes, heterodoxy, compromise is something we should be concerned about however, if we know and trust in the Lord then our life becomes uncompromising. We have a firm foundation and confidence which is unshaken. From that place we can address those who see things differently, even those who oppose the Gospel, without compromising or changing our own convictions. I have to add that this cannot be accomplished without a strong connection to Christ and a caring community. A lone ranger is easily picked off.
A strong leader is not a bad thing for the most part, as long as we acknowledge that he too is a servant and fallible. A good leader does not point to himself rather to Christ. With a weak leader many issues arise. Again, we don't look to the leader as foundational rather we see him as called to tend and feed those who are in their care.
I agree, the gravitational category is the desirable one. It is where we lay down our views and opinions letting the Holy Spirit perform His work through us. He knows what is right and good. We don't have to defend it or coalesce around anyone but Him. Again, this can only be done in a community whose goal is to proclaim the freedom in Christ and not the bondage of this age whatever form it takes.
On a lighter note you forgot one party affiliation. There is the blue donkey, red elephant, and the white hippo. I would have called it the white elephant, as they represent the elephant in room who has to be addressed, but the elephant was taken and the phrase has it's own meaning. The white hippo represents those who, regardless of party affiliation, vote according to their beliefs and conscience. They often do not agree with either party and long for real discourse and resolution. These are a rare breed!
Interesting, my favorite name is a church in Whittier it's called "MY FRIENDS HOUSE". I can imagine inviting someone to come to my friends house with me.
Hi Nathan
Good message.
The past 8 years has brought this issue into focus. It has been exhausting reacting to and championing moral issues. Though there is clearly right and wrong sides, it is not the battleground. We can have definite views of right and wrong and different ways to go about resolving what to do. Yes, heterodoxy, compromise is something we should be concerned about however, if we know and trust in the Lord then our life becomes uncompromising. We have a firm foundation and confidence which is unshaken. From that place we can address those who see things differently, even those who oppose the Gospel, without compromising or changing our own convictions. I have to add that this cannot be accomplished without a strong connection to Christ and a caring community. A lone ranger is easily picked off.
A strong leader is not a bad thing for the most part, as long as we acknowledge that he too is a servant and fallible. A good leader does not point to himself rather to Christ. With a weak leader many issues arise. Again, we don't look to the leader as foundational rather we see him as called to tend and feed those who are in their care.
I agree, the gravitational category is the desirable one. It is where we lay down our views and opinions letting the Holy Spirit perform His work through us. He knows what is right and good. We don't have to defend it or coalesce around anyone but Him. Again, this can only be done in a community whose goal is to proclaim the freedom in Christ and not the bondage of this age whatever form it takes.
On a lighter note you forgot one party affiliation. There is the blue donkey, red elephant, and the white hippo. I would have called it the white elephant, as they represent the elephant in room who has to be addressed, but the elephant was taken and the phrase has it's own meaning. The white hippo represents those who, regardless of party affiliation, vote according to their beliefs and conscience. They often do not agree with either party and long for real discourse and resolution. These are a rare breed!
Oh yes! Long live the white hippo :)
Interesting, my favorite name is a church in Whittier it's called "MY FRIENDS HOUSE". I can imagine inviting someone to come to my friends house with me.