'If you live in the past, you will die in the present' (Bill Belechick). ". . .forgetting what lies hehind and straining forward to what lies ahead" (the Apostle Paul).
Living in the past is recognized in several different forms: resting on ones "laurels;" fear of the future characterized in the expression, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it;" unfounded and self-limiting beliefs; being paralyzed by the negativism of significant others; and allowing the power of negative events to determine the future.
It is not a bad thing to visit the past because some good things can be found there. It is in history that a legitimate hope for the future is found, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus to be with us as we travel into the future is founded on the evidence of history. We all have some inspirational influences in our past to motivate us. It is important to seek them out and celebrate them. Even the negative and pathological events of the past can be viewed as influences resulting in moving one to a better life.
Living in the past is death because it prevents one from truly living in and adapting to the present. Appropriate visiting of the past enables life because one is able to draw on the real resources that nourish life in the present and future. It is noteworthy that Paul's "forgetting what lies behind" had to do with putting confidence in past accomplishments and status, some of the things that hinder one from living in the present.
Blessings; Tom
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
One of the tasks I believe God has layed on my heart in a big way is getting our town's two LC-MS churches to merge.
At a school board meeting Monday night, we asked the question, "Why did our two churches separate anyway?"
The answer? Not a rift.
One church RAN OUT OF ROOM. The other church was born and people that lived on one side of town were asked to start attending the new church.
Now that overall attendance is declining at both churches, doesn't it make sense that we get back together?
Granted, there is a long history (125 years) at one church and 60 years at the newer church. I am sincerely trying to get people to not forget about the history, but to think in new ways and do what is best for the future.
I'm worn out at reacting to crises instead of being proactive. :)
May Jesus bless your day.
Wow,joy, you left me a lot to comment on. I'll share a couple of principles that may energize you.
People cannot rise above the maturity of their leader. You may well be more mature than the leadership of your congregation.
Leaders have to have stamina, courage and maturity to stay on track when the leadership terrorists create crisis. Leaders will trigger sabatage from within the flock.
Delegating anxiety is more effective in creating change than delegating responsibility. How do you do that? Do not over function. Appoint someone else to deal with the crisis. Why should the squeaky wheel always get the grease? Maybe it should fall off. Continue making proactivity your priority.
Blessings; Tom
joy; I had an appointment so I wrote so quickly that I might not have been clear.
This is a leadership issue. A congregation will not rise above the maturity level of the pastor.
The "squeaky wheel" is probably the most immature one. In any church, family or work place, the squeaky wheel gets the most attention, ensuring continued crisis. Let them squeak. Delegate the anxiety generated by the squeaky wheel to God or another mature person. You are right. Dealing with constant crisis hinders proactivity. Hope this helps, Tom
Post a Comment