CHAPTER HEALTH
PETER Helgerson
THE STRENGTH OF OUR CHAPTERS MUST REFLECT CHRIST !
THESE days , the world seems to move further and further away from God . It takes vigilance and determination to ensure that the “ world ’ s ” way of thinking doesn ’ t work its way into our lives and into the ministry of our local CMA chapters . We are constantly presented ideas and concepts that might seem harmless . But , when we fall back on the truths of the Bible , we find that they are not in line with what Christ told us as His disciples .
Paul wrote ; “ I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ , for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes ” ( Romans 1:16a , NKJV ). Paul knew very well the worldly views of the Roman Empire . Their way was to make the early believers conform to the public and government opinions . In the same way , we are seeing opinions that immorality is a personal way of life . One area that is constantly under attack is God ’ s view on marriage and human sexuality . Marriage is clearly defined in Scripture , and as followers of Jesus , each of us should strive to follow God ’ s Word in this area .
The strength of a chapter lies in the following of God ’ s Word . Once we compromise our position , in any way , we lose our integrity in the world and our reflection of Jesus is diminished . In Philippians 2:5 ( NKJV ) we read , “ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus .” This transformation is when we accept the truth of Scripture in all cases . Even though the world may not agree with the stand of Scripture , we need to stand steadfast on God ’ s Word , no matter how much we might be condemned for it . Jesus said , “ If the world hates you , you know that it hated me before it hated you ” ( John 15:18 , NKJV ). Our chapter strength comes from the foundation of God ’ s Word and as long as we stand on it we can be assured that we are operating on Christ the Solid Rock .
As chapters of CMA , we are also accountable to the standards of the organization in which we serve . I am so glad that the format of this ministry was , and is , built on the Word of God . The CMA Board of Directors do not make any decisions without prayer and seeking God ’ s perfect will for this ministry . In addition , the policies that we follow are aligned with Biblical principles . If we in the chapter come under attack because of the standards we stand on , we should allow this to be our mindset , “ Do not be conformed to this world , but be transformed by the renewing of you mind , that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God ” ( Romans 12:2b , NKJV ). And rest in these words , “ No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life ; as I was with Moses , so I will be with you . I will not leave you nor forsake you . Be strong and of good courage ” ( Joshua 1:5-6a , NKJV ). CMA
In the April issue of the CMA
HeartBeat , Mark Heid had a Chapter Health article about Conflict
Resolution with Reconciliation .
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Leadership Conference .
13⎪JUNE 2022⎪www . cmausa . org