Powerful reframing of meekness as strength rather than weakness. The Moses and Jesus examples really drive home that meekness is about resoluteness in seeking God's will over self-assertion. I've struggled with this tension when dealing with antagonists who try to provoke anger, and this reminder that 'the violent destroy themselvs' while the meek endure is timely. Biblical meekness isn't passivity btw it's strategic patience.
"Strategic patience" - love it! It reminds me of the active waiting that the church did prior to Pentecost. Jesus told them to "wait," and so they did, but in prayer anticipating his promised action.
Excellent post ! Too many churches have become as you say chaplaincy to ideology. Two pastors I know from my old church have turned their social media into constant self righteous ranting. It’s distasteful. They talk about Christians who don’t vote with them as “so-called Christians.” I had thought about going back to one of their churches but I’m not going to. I wonder if they realize that they are discouraging people from going to church by acting this way? Or they’d just rather speak to their loyal supporters.
It is so sad that pastors lose zeal for and confidence in the Gospel and need these passing excitements as substitutes. May you be blessed with a church home that represents the eternal Gospel (Revelation 14:6).
I am one who wears her thoughts on her sleeve in flashing neon (including what I think of some politicians) but will never try and browbeat anyone into agreeing with me, and I go to church to gather with others to hear a minster lead us away to follow God to more peaceful pastures. On the other hand, in 2009 we chose to buy rural land on an unimproved road (trail) to start a farm in the midst of drug dens with some law-abiding property owners in the mix. The drug dens have been intimidating the others for decades, but that ship is now turning. I will admit to not being very meek forcing this change, and I have a cheering section from some of the neighbors. Sometimes an old lady has to do what she has to do, and even in the drug dens there are children who will likely benefit!
Your assertiveness sounds Christlike. Your concern for neighbors and children is front and center -- a manifestation of love, not self-will. So it was with the assertiveness of Moses and Jesus.
Oh that our nation would hear our Lord's call to meekness. And that our churches would listen to this brilliant observation, "There ain’t much room for the meek once the church becomes a chaplaincy to political ideology."
Powerful reframing of meekness as strength rather than weakness. The Moses and Jesus examples really drive home that meekness is about resoluteness in seeking God's will over self-assertion. I've struggled with this tension when dealing with antagonists who try to provoke anger, and this reminder that 'the violent destroy themselvs' while the meek endure is timely. Biblical meekness isn't passivity btw it's strategic patience.
"Strategic patience" - love it! It reminds me of the active waiting that the church did prior to Pentecost. Jesus told them to "wait," and so they did, but in prayer anticipating his promised action.
Excellent post ! Too many churches have become as you say chaplaincy to ideology. Two pastors I know from my old church have turned their social media into constant self righteous ranting. It’s distasteful. They talk about Christians who don’t vote with them as “so-called Christians.” I had thought about going back to one of their churches but I’m not going to. I wonder if they realize that they are discouraging people from going to church by acting this way? Or they’d just rather speak to their loyal supporters.
It is so sad that pastors lose zeal for and confidence in the Gospel and need these passing excitements as substitutes. May you be blessed with a church home that represents the eternal Gospel (Revelation 14:6).
Thank you !
I am one who wears her thoughts on her sleeve in flashing neon (including what I think of some politicians) but will never try and browbeat anyone into agreeing with me, and I go to church to gather with others to hear a minster lead us away to follow God to more peaceful pastures. On the other hand, in 2009 we chose to buy rural land on an unimproved road (trail) to start a farm in the midst of drug dens with some law-abiding property owners in the mix. The drug dens have been intimidating the others for decades, but that ship is now turning. I will admit to not being very meek forcing this change, and I have a cheering section from some of the neighbors. Sometimes an old lady has to do what she has to do, and even in the drug dens there are children who will likely benefit!
Your assertiveness sounds Christlike. Your concern for neighbors and children is front and center -- a manifestation of love, not self-will. So it was with the assertiveness of Moses and Jesus.
Thank you for fitting me in! :)
Oh that our nation would hear our Lord's call to meekness. And that our churches would listen to this brilliant observation, "There ain’t much room for the meek once the church becomes a chaplaincy to political ideology."
Thank you, Zack. May the Lord hear our prayers for the church and the world.