Rick Trice: Blog (Let's Talk!)

CHAPLAIN’S CONFESSION

By Rick Trice

 “We must try to become mature and start thinking about more than just the basic things we were taught about Christ.  We shouldn’t need to keep talking about why we ought to turn from deeds that bring death and why we ought to have faith in God…Let’s grow up, if God is willing!” Hebrews 6:1,3 (CEV)

 In my daily job in the world, I am often required to correct and discipline others whom I supervise.  The Bible is clear on it’s instructions to such overseers, to treat those people with respect, but to speak the truth in love; sometimes easier said than done.  An attentive supervisor will give attainable goals, matched to the person’s skills, then step back and give them room to perform, occasionally offering constructive feedback and guidance. A receptive employee will recognize both their strengths and weaknesses, and use those strengths to improve the weaknesses.  But if you have either a non-attentive boss or an unreceptive worker, you upset a critical balance in the work structure, and little gets accomplished, at least for any long term benefit. 

 Do you see any analogy to how God tries to work in and through us?  If we are in His kingdom, called to be in the world but not of it, we are often pulled to and fro as we deal with things of the Spirit and things of the flesh.  Thankfully, we do not have an inattentive Boss; He is constantly at our side, coaching and correcting.  The problem is it is usually us, as the unreceptive worker, who prevents any further progress.  Maybe it’s time to quit talking to ourselves about the same old deeds and old victories, and let God lead us onto more mature ground…maybe it’s time to “grow up” some.