If you have never gossiped before, you won't relate

I haven't forgotten about the unity subject. Actually, I feel like I have a better perspective on it at this time. I know we were talking about TV, UPC manuals, minister against minister, but division happens at every level of life if we allow it.

Being real

Essentially, I have been harboring an offense towards a saint in my church for some time now. I thought we had it resolved, but it has become apparent that is not the case. I found myself criticizing them first in my mind, then voicing my opinion to my husband, and then out and out gossiping with another friend.

I felt so justified! I was right!

Over the last couple of weeks, I began to realize that I was thinking more about the things I'd like to tell them off about than finding ways to reconcile. Consequently, I was not praying about the situation because I thought I could handle it on my own.

(Hey, we have all been here. I'm just here right now, and want to help someone.)

Sunday morning the visiting minister preached about not losing the love for the altar. I really began to feel convicted in my heart, and it worked on me all day. I kept remembering a scripture fragment, "restore to me the joy of thy salvation," and simply could not place it.

Sunday night a different visiting minister preached about not losing the joy of praise. In my heart, I thought, that is exactly what has happened. Being wrapped up in the politics of the situation had hindered my prayer and my praise.

The preacher gave the altar call, and I lifted my hands in the pew and prayed with all my heart, "God, restore to me my joy!" After a minute or so, I opened my eyes, and saw my husband beckoning me to the front. I thought, oh no, I can't play the piano now, I've got to pray. But I went anyhow, and to my surprise, the minister leaned down and said, "Sister, can I pray for you?"

Now, I know the voice of God, even if it is not an audible voice. There is no mistaking how God speaks to me. Right then, as the minister prayed for me, I remembered the whole scripture that had been whispered through my heart all day.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit withing me. Cast me not away from thy presence, and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit.
Psalm 51:10-12

Suddenly, the problems I was facing didn't seem so big anymore. I needed to repent from my wrong spirit and attitude!

So this has to do with Resolution Six... how?

A recent commenter said "Who would have thought it would become such a war? This says a lot about our inner Jesus."

Is it worth the division to change the manual? Holy men of God prayed and already fought the battle for us when it was not so attractive and entertainment was not yet the god of this world that it is today. Surely we can find other methods to spend our advertising dollars on rather than make this the deal breaker. Is advertising on television worth losing a brother over?

I have to think the answer is no. What do we have if we are not united with our brothers and sisters in Christ? A television, but a heart full of regrets?

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
John 13:35

I am meeting this person this weekend, and I plan to make things right once and for all. It doesn't matter anymore who is right and who is wrong.

It's time to put down the sword and pick up the towel.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please feel free to E-mail me!