|
THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE suffers long and is
“ LOVE kind ; love does not envy ; love does not parade itself , is not puffed up ; does not behave rudely , does not seek its own , is not provoked , thinks no evil ; does not rejoice in iniquity , but rejoices in the truth ; bears all things , believes all things , hopes all things , endures all things ” ( 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 , NKJV ). As I think about chapter health , I am reminded of when Jesus is asked about the great commandment in Matthew 22 . He responded :
“… You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart , with all your soul , and with all your mind .’ This is the first and great commandment ” ( Matthew 22:37-38 , NKJV ).
Our chapters often have conflicts between members that involve differences in personalities , denomination , politics , parenting , child-rearing , riding styles , modality of transportation , types of clothing worn , places / people groups we associate with , etc . The list becomes endless if you think about it . My challenge to you is to reflect on the commandments that Jesus gives . Commandments ( plural ), you ask ? Yes . Our Lord adds a second to the first :
“ And the second is like it : ‘ You shall love your neighbor as yourself ” ( Matthew 22:39 , NKJV ).
Let us be reminded that the
|
enemy is at work trying to destroy the ministry of CMA and the work that our chapters are doing to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the motorcycling community . I believe that creating strife and conflict between our members is one of the main tools to disrupt the work . To battle this , we must remind ourselves we have been commanded to love each other , and as we profess our love for Christ , we kind of don ’ t have much of an option to love each other . Jesus says :
“ If you love Me , keep my commandments ” ( John 14:15 , NKJV ).
I want to challenge you to look at the element of prayer ( 4 elements of a healthy chapter ) in our chapters a little differently . When we are faced with relational conflict within our chapters , take the battle to where it belongs ; to the Father ( Abba ) in prayer . Remember , our fight is in the spiritual arena , not the flesh ( Ephesians 6:12 , NKJV ).
Try this formula if and when a conflict between members surfaces in your chapter . Go to the one who has offended you . ( It may be necessary for someone else to help facilitate this ). Share your heart and emotions about whatever the issue is . Allow the other to share the same . Then pray . Don ’ t pray about each other or for each other . Pray with each other . I ’ m talking about facing each other and holding hands . Lean into the uncomfortableness . Allow the
|
other to hear you speak to God about what needs to be reconciled in your heart . Rekindle your love for Jesus at that moment and allow Him to establish ( reestablish ) your love for each other . Let the Holy Spirit guide a conversation of asking for and giving forgiveness . By doing this , the enemy loses his stronghold . And the power of the Holy Spirit begins to reign and rule in our chapters and relationships . I know , this isn ’ t a new idea . God has outlined this in His Holy Word . Yes , you are correct , but sometimes , we need to be reminded to put it into practice .
Remember , as we spend much time ministering to others , we sometimes need to minister to each other . Real , intimate prayer is one way to do this . May God bless all of you and your chapters .
CMA
|