We've Got a Long Way to Go

“ Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

I have little to say about this verse mainly because I have never witnessed this done correctly in a body of believers. I have seen those caught in sin gently dismissed, but never restored.

I could go into a whole lot of ugly details here about fallen leaders and churches who either led them right into the fall or hid their eyes in the midst of it. But what good would come of that? The reality is, for whatever reason, true biblical accountability and reconciliation seem to be in massive short order. I wish I knew why.

Perhaps it is the stubborn Yankee American independent personality. Perhaps it is for fear of rejection or making things messy. Perhaps it is because we are all so consumed with our own sin we don't consider ourselves "spiritual" enough to hold others accountable. I don't know.

I believe this may be one of the number one reasons we do not see further advancement of God's kingdom in New England. I think as a culture and as a church we are too afraid of offending people and too afraid to speak the truth. I also think part of the reason we fear these things is the know-how we are missing regarding confronting others in love. God knows I'm no good at that. I can think of some people I know who aren't very good at it either. Where does one go for training? Ahhhh... I know the answer is Jesus, but it sounds like a psychologist to me... (that's a a poor reference to a good joke). I would say let's look at how Jesus confronted people, but his example is a tough act to follow. He was pretty bold, and certainly didn't concern himself with being politically correct or using the acceptable labels (or non-labels). He just came out with it. "That's not your husband, but you have had many of them," for example. The KEY difference? I think each and every person who encountered Jesus first FELT and KNEW they were loved and accepted, no matter what. Sure is a lot easy to take criticism under that premise.

Considering my post from a few days back regading how much I don't really like people, I guess I have a long way to go before I can approach anyone with an attitude of "gentle restoration." May God have mercy on me, a sinner.