Thursday, July 03, 2008

What have I become

I think I've become one of those people I always hoped I never would be. You know, those crotchety old men who are opposed to anything and everything. How does this happen?

I always used to love my tribe. I've even been called a "denominational boy". I used to speak regularly about how wonderful our group was from the pulpit and in everyday conversations. But I seem to have developed this bad taste in my mouth. And I don't think it's just because change is on the horizon. I like change. I think it has more to do with how it's coming about. I feel like we're being duped into something; there are too many secrets; there's too much "we can't say anything until it's gone through proper channels" sorta stuff. Maybe it's the feeling of being disregarded that bothers me the most. And not just me, but all of us who "don't matter."

So I found myself thinking today that I don't care what the change is - they've lost my support and I won't back it. Which is stupid, I know. But allegiance is a fickle friend.

I don't like being like this. God, help.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Faithfulness to Christ supersedes an allegiance to "Mother Church"

MR said...

I always roll my eyes when someone tells me a "secret" at work. The cloak and dagger junk is just people wanting to feel important. I usually add "oh it's a SECRET?! Well you probably shouldn't have told me, then."

So Dan, how much do decisions at that level affect your church?

...or will you have to kill me if you tell me?

Marcus said...

I thought I wrote in ambiguities! I don't suppose this will get elaborated for the general consumer.

Sorry for the change, hopefully it isn't as bad as you presently view it.

dan said...

Anonymous,
Not sure what you mean, but I don't think faithfulness to Christ justifies the sin of a rebellious spirit. There is nothing I can do about my perception of what others are doing, but I can hope to have a better attitude. :)

MR,
I understand what you're saying, but I don't know that that's what it's like in this situation. The problem isn't so much that any decisions at that level affect me or my church - it's more that we are 'a part of', or 'contributors to' what happens at that level. I WANT to be a part of this movement (tribe), but the lament is that I don't feel like I'm necessarily wanted. So it's not an 'us against them' sort of thing - at least in my mind.

MDH,
Sorry, but that's about as much elaborating as I can do. I've probably already said too much. :)

Thanks for the comments, folks.

Anonymous said...

Dan,
This is the point...we can't control what others do. Churchs can and sometimes err.Some times change is for the good others not. Most of the Reformers were chastised for not walking in lock step with Mother Church. What they were commended for was their faithfulness. Remain faithful to the Lord, to His Word and His people and you'll do well..