Needless to say after making everyone else laugh with this sudden display of humble affection he went to bed smiling.
In community-life a discipline will usually be a light challenge given by another Christian to train them in their spiritual life. The rule is that you normaly never ask anyone to do something you wouldn't do yourself. And of course, the recepient can say no, but if he is an obedient disciple who knows that to "submit to one another" is to grow in love, he will grudgingly agree.
It makes for a rich and bizarre life sometimes; but I'm trying hard to think of an example of a discipline that has been given to me, there haven't been that many (now I'm asking for it!)
In recent days we've had to give a far heavier type of discipline. One of our members was asked to leave the community house. We'll stay in touch but have suggested he go to another church for a short while, and he has moved to a nearby 'community' while he gets himself sorted. Without going into detail he fell foul of some "works of the flesh." We spoke together about this several times over as many weeks but unfortunately he continued to go his own way. I think it is fair to say he is very much loved by all of us and that is part of the reason we can't allow him to continue to sin in ignorance.
I'll finish with a short note about last night, when some of us underwent a quite different, more pleasant
type of suffering. We were treated to a home made vindaloo by a famed member who lives outside the community. For any unfamiliar with the term, "vindaloo" is a popular spicy meal in the UK, originally from Goa, which uses the world's hottest chillies for a very intense "burn your guts out" experience. And very nice it was too. But for those who decided to eat the hottest vindaloo on the table (not me) it took some real... discipline.
I don't want to be awkward, but you sent him to another 'church' having being involved in "works of the flesh."
ReplyDeleteIsn't that a bit contrary bro'?
Where does that benifit him, or any church? I mean, its kindness, sure,
but where does that benefit anyone?
Would you be so kind as to explain a bit further. I'm puzzled.
In disfellowshipping someone you can't stop them going to another church. And you want them to find a way back to repentance anyhow. It's best to do things positively.
ReplyDeleteBut it's a compromise solution, all the same. Not that I don't understand, because I do, though not knowing the exact circumstances. It's difficult to balance the two needs. But what's happening in the end is an exercise of logic. Compassion intermixed with what we believe is required from God. A middle line. It isn't wisdom.
ReplyDeleteIt's compromise.
On the surface, it just looks like 'the problem' is just being passed on. Bless a caring heart though.
No, you can't stop them joining another church. But an elder in that church should be warned. Informally.
Out, in the end, is out. It's an awful experience for that individual. However bad their behavior.
We have part to play in bringing people to repentance. But, I believe, a minor part. There's this bloke upstairs who's got more influence than us. And can teach a much firmer lesson.
Or, to give an example, take a bloke who's full on JA. But he lives with his girlfriend, but wants to be JA.
Ignores his personal situation, and
(for example) worships like a seasoned style 3. He has a little 'un even. His lady who he goes home to isn't interested. Full stop.
Somewhere along the line, someone has to say - hey bro' this isn't the way we do things.
At the end of the day, he has to go.
And his future is in Gods hands. However much we care?
You will have to trust me on this whole issue that we have taken necessary action. I'm sure you understand that I can't go into detail.
ReplyDeleteFair enough mate. Seeing as it's you.
ReplyDeleteBut you missed an occasion to teach there :)
just like to point out that works of the flesh tend to impact other people and sometimes you have to give the sinner some time out-or rather, force him to have time out, so that you can protect the other people involved. thats not to say that the sinner cant come back to the church, as the one involved has, just to give him time to realise his mistakes and make amends. its all part of the forgiveness thing, which requires repentance too.
ReplyDelete