"A Time for Maturity"

Some words to the wise from Doug Phillips in an article entitled, "Uniting Church and Family: A Time for Maturity."

But once a vision is cast, the real work begins. It is one thing to dream great dreams for Christ; it is another to make ourselves willing vessels of the Lord to accomplish these goals. Vision requires hard work, long-term commitment, and a persevering spirit. Along the way mistakes will be made. The godly man stumbles six times, but rises seven. So too, we must not quit because attempts to unite church and home are imperfect.

Nor do we have the luxury of allowing every personal preference which is not appeased to be the basis for severing our relationship with those who stand with us in this great cause.

I am amazed at the number of people who quickly give up on a vision when the first micro controversy arises, or when their feelings get hurt over issues of personal preference. Some actually masque a spirit of rebellion under theological verbiage aimed at justifying their unwillingness to commit themselves to others or to be personally accountable within a local body.

In my view, we can no longer afford to act and think as children. The need of the day is for maturity. This means making tough choices, and acting on them. It means working through problems, not simply quitting every time a problem arises. It means being a problem solver, not just a complainer. It means recognizing that the grass is not always greener elsewhere.

Click here to read the rest of Doug Phillips' article.