Here is your curate’s own checklist of spiritual pitfalls and suggested antidotes for orthodox Christians campaigning for biblical standards in church and society:
• Pride – a sense of moral superiority over others who have fallen for the error or who are not contending for the truth as vigorously as they should. Biblical antidote: Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the publican (Luke 18v9-14).
• Speculation and gossip - imputing motives to opponents or those in authority, without clear evidence that they are being motivated by a particular evil. Biblical antidote: the Ninth Commandment.
• Impatience – firing off e-mails without careful consideration and not giving potential allies time to grasp the issue. Biblical antidote: the Apostle Paul’s teaching about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5v22-23. Gentleness and patience are listed as well as faithfulness.
• Angry outbursts – blasting at opponents and resorting to vitriol. Biblical antidote: James 1v19-20 – ‘Know this, my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God’ (RSV).
Cranmer’s Curate may have missed some pitfalls. Perhaps the youth group could kindly remedy the omissions and supply biblical antidotes.
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On my view the youth are strong.
ReplyDeleteMy Daughter's CU appointed a new Chaplain that was a lesbian and in a relationship. The CU refused her permission to speak. A long fight ensured and with the Uni's support they were forced to allow her to speak to the CU or be closed down. When she got to the platform the CU broke up into small groups in their own rooms and around 10 or so volunteers stayed to argue. (There were lots of volunteers. During the fight the CU got stronger.
They were supported by their local Churches (one was a CofE --- I think a member of Reform)
The Chaplain eventually left the Uni and never once got to talk to the CU.
I am extremely proud of my daughter and her friends in the CU. They have shown by being strong and principled they can eventually win though.
Even in the UK!
We just need us older ones to be as principled
Very encouraging to hear Phil.
DeleteExcellent counsel. There's not one of the above that I have not fallen in to at one time or another.
ReplyDeleteJulian,
ReplyDeleteThe only other thing I would add in terms of dangers is:
1. Forgetting about the sovereignty of God & Prayer.
2. Forgetting that the battle we face is a spiritual one (Eph.5:10-12)