Do You Fight or Flee or Show Affection?
When I saw this week’s word, “flee”, my mind went to a book I have started reading. I learned about this book from my friend Don. He is using it in the church small group discussion, so I purchased a copy of Love The Ones Who Drive You Crazy by Jamie Dunlop (9Marks). I read the introduction and the first four chapters. I want to be prepared, because Cindie and I hope to join their small group on Monday.
Fight or Flight (Flee!)
Pastor Dunlop says when people drive us crazy, we have multiple possible responses. He asks, “What happens in our church as a result?” He then says something we can all relate to: “Too frequently, we resort to our natural instincts: fight or flight.” I can relate, because I have done both and neither is the right response.
The Better Choice is Love
Some people stand and end with faith. Peter says faith needs a supplement. In fact, he says we should make every effort to supplement.
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities[d] are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:3-8
My Experience in Churches
During the course of my life I have been a member of at least four churches and have served in some churches as a deacon, teacher, chairperson, committee member, youth worker, and an elder. There is one constant in all of those connections. In each case either I, or others liked to either fight or flee. Now that I am more mature, I have come to realize that those are terrible options.
It makes me sad when I hear someone say “he used to be a member here” or “their family used to attend here.” This happens far too often because we forget to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed” us. (Romans 15:5-7)
How to Identify a Follower of Jesus
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:5-7
If you want to know more about what this looks like, I highly recommend Jamie Dunlop’s book.
Five Minute Friday
This post is part of the weekly Five-Minute Friday link-up.
All scripture passages are from the English Standard Version except as otherwise noted.
Know Your Flocks & Herds 