The person we know the least is ourselves. We can clearly see the flaws in others but rarely in ourselves. This is why we need the humility to be told by those who love us if we are doing or thinking something wrong, as their opinion is based on more objective observations than just the way we see things. (they are not always right of course but a balance view requires input from many sources)
There is some truth in what you say here. I'm not sure if you are familiar with the psychological term
shadow persona. But it is very difficult for us to see, and it is usually manifest as hating in someone else something we hate in ourselves and simply cannot see. I believe when Jesus says to take the beam out of your own eye before you look at the mote in another, he was showing some insight into what we do as people. You're right, loved ones help us see what is in ourselves that we can't see of our own, if in fact we are humble as you say.
God loves his faithful ones and also tells them how he wishes them to conduct themselves in their relationship to him.
Ahh... but exactly how? Do others really see us? Isn't this instruction rather an
internal one? Who knows you, but God, right?
He has appointed men to dispense instructions to his people since the beginning....even before Moses was used to write the Ten Commandments. (The Patriarchal system was led by the family head) These men were faithful but not perfect. Those who saw the imperfection and used it as an excuse not to obey God's directives, were shown how God feels about that.
"Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you." (Heb 13:17)
Well... not blindly, of course. If the person has actual spiritual depth and character, that they are humble and not some egotistical show-off pounding the pulpit and puffing his wares, then they may have some insight for you. But... you need to not rely on them to give you Answers with a capital A. To do so puts yourself at risk, in every way.
When people are organized in any manner, there must be structure and order or else chaos would prevent anything from being accomplished. Rules must be established so that people will not run away with their own ideas and begin dissenting which will work against the accomplishments of the group as a whole. There must always be those who take the lead and who themselves are accountable to God. Headship is not dictatorship. It is a loving provision from God to make sure the flock are protected from divisive and destructive influences from those who see only their own viewpoint.
There is a double-edged sword here. If you wish to have a supportive community there must be certain structures, of course. BUT, any organization inherently creates power positions that the agressive always move into, who are driven by control issues. It doesn't matter what that organization is! Now we're talking things like how churches are governed. Who gets into power? How do they get there? Who appoints them? Where are they at? Etc. You see, this is hardly some magical ideal that happens because you believe in God. Churches are rife with politics and power plays. Is God really "in charge" of these organizations? You answer that.
Submission requires faith and trust in God to do what must be done through imperfect men. Just as the nation of Israel had imperfect men to lead them, so the original Christian congregation was led by imperfect men
Red flags start waving. Jim Jones, appointed by God. Submit yourself. Drink the Kool-Aid laced with cyanide because you need to 'believe God'. Bull. How do you discern here? Not everything is spelled out the Bible, you know? Perhaps you need to first start with what is within you, between you and God, and not the "pastor"? Boy, that's my recommendation.
There was a governing body of older men in Jerusalem to make decisions
Who says they were "older"? You mean because it uses the word "elder"? That's a position in the church, and has nothing to do with someone's age, other than the obviously weren't babies.
and act on them for the benefit of the whole body of Christ's followers. That is the model. No hierarchy, but brothers working together to get the job done and make decisions for the rest of the 'family'.
But you were just saying you need to submit to those in charge. That is a hierarchy. If you are suspicious of hierarchies, then you have my attention.
There can be no dividing of the message about the kingdom. Unless people have a clear understanding about what God's kingdom actually is and what the "good news" about it means for mankind, how can they preach about it, fulfilling Jesus' instructions?
Well, that's the question isn't it? Who really understands this message about the Kingdom of God? Do they?
If people do not KNOW God....and worse, do not KNOW themselves, how can they begin even their first steps on the road to life?
In all honesty, I agree. To know God is to know yourself.
There is one truth, and we all have to find it if we want to live.
But that one truth, is it something that is outside you? Or is it something within you you need to find?
God has an organized people....he does not operate through individuals haphazardly...he never has.
Well, I disagree, mostly. In the sense you probably mean it, anyway. I believe Truth is always there, and various individuals 'haphazardly' find it. Then it speaks through them. I do not believe in any "appointed individuals", rather "Those who hear, let them hear". Follow?
You have to come into his family and abide by his rules. He will never change himself to suit yours.
You have to lay down your small self. I don't believe just joining a group equals that family. I believe that family, to call it that, transcends any organization. I believe this Kingdom of God, is beyond any church or any religion. Don't you?
KNOW your God as a person, KNOW his name and all that it stands for, KNOW yourself as HE sees you, and KNOW what is required of you.....then, in humility, JUST DO IT.
Just do what? I get the first part of this, but what I understand as "just do it", is to be your True self. That's what God sees. What happens from there....
