Following those who are further along on the journey…
I have been greatly encouraged by reading the blog of “Aussie” John – “Caesura“. He describes himself in this way:
I’m an old Christian bloke, retired, through ill health, from being a teaching elder (pastor) amongst God’s called out people. I have seen my retirement as God’s gift of a caesura (a pause prior to an emphasis. see Wikipedia),and am looking forward to what He has in store.
Did you catch that? John is “retired” but looking forward to what God has in store. He recognizes that God still has a plan to use him. One of the ways that God is using John is to encourage younger (ahem…) men, like myself. First, John taught me the phrase “fair dinkem”. Now, in his latest post, which you can find here, he challenges me once again. Consider his final two paragraphs:
It’s encouraging to see that there seems to be a new generation of young men, who are seeking an honest, open relationship with congregational brethren, recognising that “the ministry” is not their exclusive province while the congregations remain passive soaks of pastoral wisdom. They are recognising that, as elders, they are part, but not the most important part, of the whole, and as such have no need to play the super-spiritual, pious giant among men.
I trust they are recognising that there is only one such indispensable person to whom they are to point all men and women, and even He “has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin”.
Take the time to read John’s entire post. Read about his journey and the wisdom that God has shown him in his 70 years (three score and ten). John is a good example of why God exhorts us through Scripture to follow those who are more mature and further along on the journey.
Alan, This is kind of unrelated, but what are your thoughts on Sunday School? You’ve probably posted something about it I’m sure, but maybe you could do a new post with your most recent thoughts.
Matthew,
As far as I know, I have not talked specifically about Sunday school in this blog. I’ll give it some thought and perhaps post on it later. I would probably recognize Sunday school as another program – not evil or bad itself, but likely to distract from its own goal.
For example, in preaching class, I once used Sunday school as an example of how God’s command could become a tradition of men. Most people in the class missed my point and assumed that I meant that Sunday school was bad. However, I think there is a difference between encouraging people to study Scripture and to fellowship with one another and encouraging people to “attend Sunday school”. When I attempt to point out those distinctions, the distinctions themselves are lost to seem people behind the fact that I am suggesting that Sunday school can be a distraction.
I certainly hope that all makes sense.
-Alan
I think what you are saying is that the tradition is so ingrained that it is difficult to get people to consider the distinctions.
Alan,
Thank you for your comments. If I had listened to just a little of the advise of an elderly elder I would have saved myself many wounds, some self inflicted. The self inflicted ones, even though healed, still sting.
Aussie John
Matthew,
Yes, that is what I was trying to say. Thank you.
Aussie John,
Keep talking… I’m listening.
-Alan