18th April, 2008
Taking Elephant Steps
For several months I have been listening and reading all sorts of blogs and material about what is going on in the “Church” world. It seems to me that we are all over the map on what would be called a “theme” for change. This really makes my spiritual DNA shake and quake a bunch.
What I am concerned about though is put into this scenario: When the mouse shows up the elephant “freaks out” and starts taking huge steps to get out of the way of the mouse, crushing everything in its way. I am wondering if all this is the elephant stage and some how the mouse is going to enter in uninvited and catch the “elephant” unaware.
In other words, everything is in the elephant stage of progress: big, and rough looking and not ready for quick movement or ability to rest in a small simple place. In turn the mouse has this uncanny power over this infancy of application and can really cause a trampling of hearts and perspectives. Seems to be a moment of reflection for the “Church of God” ministry and constituency.
My Heart To Yours
Dennis
Posted at 8:13 pm |
On April 19, 2008 at 6:09 am travis johnson said:
April 19, 2008 at 6:09 am
“the mouse has this uncanny power over this infancy of application and can really cause a trampling of hearts and perspectives.”
Great post, Dennis. Would you unpack the above line? I’d love to hear more.
On April 19, 2008 at 11:50 am Lennart S (South Africa) said:
April 19, 2008 at 11:50 am
Oh wow, what what picture I got when I read your blog. The mouse = the individual real christian and the elephant = the church. The elephant is blundering around hurting people, making a mess and making a big noise. Bye the way, thats church with a small (lowercase “c”). If the mouse = real christian then can you just imagine the show the church is going to put on when the real chritians show up on mass as the real Church (thats uppercase “C”). The church is hurting so many people in todays world, it’s no wonder it is so unatractive to the world. Before you beat me up, Jesus was LOVED and attractive to sinners (thats prostitutes, heathen, leppers……. Its the religious that hated Him.
Blessings
On April 19, 2008 at 3:35 pm dennis j. adams said:
April 19, 2008 at 3:35 pm
Trav:
I will unpack that for you later today (your night my day;)!
Best
Dennis
On April 19, 2008 at 6:48 pm dennis j. adams said:
April 19, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Lennart
Thanks for your input to the blog. I agree that Jesus was drawn to sinners and such. The Church is the His Bride and it is difficult for any of us to see Her impaired in any way. We are all part of Her and must be prepared for the application of reference to His purpose in our lives.
Dennis
On April 19, 2008 at 7:21 pm dennis j. adams said:
April 19, 2008 at 7:21 pm
Trav:
Unpacking the referenced line that you made is a true pleasure for me.
Socially and in some way culturally the mouse becomes the real power in this relationship of change that we are all hoping to impart into a historical denomination. A movement, if you will, that has it roots deep in religious activity and certain nomenclatures of our present time. With certain dynamics in place, such as laws and bylaws which have moved this denomination around the world, makes all the sense that the COG has empowered itself and yet has remained protective over longevity of existence. Furthermore with that in mind and to drill even deeper the COG uses that as a verbal weapon to silence the voices of change.
This “new” but not really “new” activity that is being embraced by interested spiritually and culturally embedded people in and out of the COG represents the size of “elephant” in reference to the change that is desired. The change which is being applauded by so many and fed by a “radical” few: that dream to see the COG become what God has always planned.
In retrospect to historical events and change that has happened to the Church as a whole and to this movement, the COG, this “mouse” can interrupt the mindset of those who wish to create this “theme” of change. Such as, or per example, the “pyramid” leadership role that we have which refuses to be servant-leaders but remain wealthy land owners! Cause and effect in some way has relapsed over and over in the COG. Can this mouse move us to not continuing? Yes, if we do not look at this as a myth and turn from the truth that we are being manipulated up the pyramid not being led from the upside of the pyramid.
The solution may be for those who wish to take charge seek ways not to engage this “mouse” in such away that there is a certainty of surprise. Change is so necessary and desired by so many. Can it happen? Yes! Will it happen, maybe, if the elephant is not caught off guard and ends up trampling each application and dream in its search for safety.
The size of this dream is much larger than the historical values and reputations the can be equitably argued in counsel or open forum. This dream of change is rooted in the hope that has been placed in hearts by the Holy Spirit for the COG.
Dennis