Post by Don Gieseke on Jan 29, 2018 19:05:44 GMT -6
Bishop Rueben P. Job wrote "Three Simple Rules" in 2007, in an effort to bring these life-changing rules to the forefront once more as we learn to be disciples. They are the rules John Wesley outlined for new disciples in the 1700's- do no harm, do good, and stay in love with God.
Job lived through the Second World War and was convinced that the world would be drawn together in harmony after the war because such enormous sacrifices had been made, and he felt that certainly humanity would never let the world become so divided again. He stated his distress over the amount of division that still exists in the world. We have been living, just in the last month with grief, dialogue, conflict, and changed laws over issues that have deeply divided folks.
He reminds us again that if we recognize others as precious, of sacred worth- then how we handle conflict is all the difference. Job writes,
"Each of us knows of groups that are locked in conflict, sometimes over profound issues and sometimes over issues that are just plain silly. But the conflict is real, the divisions deep, and the consequences can often be devastating. If, however, all who are involved can agree to do no harm, the climate in which the conflict is going on is immediately changed. How is it changed? Well, if I am to do no harm, I can no longer gossip about the conflict. I can no longer speak disparagingly about those involved in the conflict. I can no longer manipulate the facts of the conflict. I can no longer diminish those who do not agree with me and must honor each as a child of God. I will guard my lips, my mind and my heart so that my language will not disparage, injure or wound another child of God. I must do no harm, even while I seek a common good."(p.22)
Reflect on the last disagreement you experienced. Examine your own behavior. Was it difficult to guard your tongue? Did you insist on having the last word? How much time did you listen to the other? Have you manipulated any of the facts since the disagreement?
Prayer: "Lord, lead me to consistently recognize all others as precious and of sacred worth. Guide me in times of disagreements to listen with respect, to refrain from gossip or demeaning speech, and to guard my lips, my mind, and my heart so that I will not disparage, injure or wound another child of God. Through your holy name, Jesus, I pray. Amen."
Pastor Brenda Newman
________________________________________
Job lived through the Second World War and was convinced that the world would be drawn together in harmony after the war because such enormous sacrifices had been made, and he felt that certainly humanity would never let the world become so divided again. He stated his distress over the amount of division that still exists in the world. We have been living, just in the last month with grief, dialogue, conflict, and changed laws over issues that have deeply divided folks.
He reminds us again that if we recognize others as precious, of sacred worth- then how we handle conflict is all the difference. Job writes,
"Each of us knows of groups that are locked in conflict, sometimes over profound issues and sometimes over issues that are just plain silly. But the conflict is real, the divisions deep, and the consequences can often be devastating. If, however, all who are involved can agree to do no harm, the climate in which the conflict is going on is immediately changed. How is it changed? Well, if I am to do no harm, I can no longer gossip about the conflict. I can no longer speak disparagingly about those involved in the conflict. I can no longer manipulate the facts of the conflict. I can no longer diminish those who do not agree with me and must honor each as a child of God. I will guard my lips, my mind and my heart so that my language will not disparage, injure or wound another child of God. I must do no harm, even while I seek a common good."(p.22)
Reflect on the last disagreement you experienced. Examine your own behavior. Was it difficult to guard your tongue? Did you insist on having the last word? How much time did you listen to the other? Have you manipulated any of the facts since the disagreement?
Prayer: "Lord, lead me to consistently recognize all others as precious and of sacred worth. Guide me in times of disagreements to listen with respect, to refrain from gossip or demeaning speech, and to guard my lips, my mind, and my heart so that I will not disparage, injure or wound another child of God. Through your holy name, Jesus, I pray. Amen."
Pastor Brenda Newman
________________________________________