Stilling the Pendulum

An article by Matt    No Comments

When better to talk about the pendulum effect than when we are seeing the beginning of a new congressional session… especially considering all the changes that have taken place as a result of the recent election.  With the dramatic shift of power in the House of Representatives there has been talk since November about policy reversals and repeals.  The pendulum in the House has begun its return swing.  Regardless of whether you believe this change to be a good or a bad thing, I think that we can all recognize that the pendulum effect can be less than productive at best and at worst can cause damage that lasts for generations.

In a culture where divisive rhetoric fuels better tv ratings and brings in more advertising dollars it is easy for us to buy into the us versus them mentality regardless of the cost to future generations.  Falling into this trap does nothing but ensure that when the pendulum begins the next trip back that the battle lines will be more fortified and the institution that is consumed by the pendulum effect will steadily decrease in relevance until it dies.

To me there is no place where this is more frustrating than in the church world.  We have all seen situations where a church has died, or worse continues to hold on after it has died in spirit, due to years of power struggles, reactionary decisions, and church splits.  I can only imagine the tears in the eyes of Christ as he watches what happens to his bride.

In 1596 Shakespeare penned the line “The better part of valour is discretion”… and there is wisdom in this for church leaders today.  We need to approach disagreement and conflict in a way that not only honors our God, but the other party as well.  I recently got hooked on the movie Invictus.  The movie seems to be following me everywhere lately, most recently being used as a sermon illustration at my church.  Morgan Freeman’s portrayal of Nelson Mandela is awe-inspiring to me, and the movie is a study in leadership in many ways.  The key scene in the movie for me occurs just after the National Sports Council, having just been taken away from the control the Afrikaners, votes unanimously to replace the name, colors, and everything related to the Springboks… the national rugby team.  Watch this:

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The genius that Mandela shows here is to still the pendulum.

Mandela realized that the Afrikaners were not enemies, they were his countrymen.  He realized that exacting revenge for his imprisonment would do nothing more than worsen the bitter rift that plagued South Africa.  He knew that in order for him to achieve his vision for a unified country that he needed to show restraint.

As we enter into conflict, debate, and disagreements within the church, I think it is important to ask ourselves a few questions:

• Do I truly believe that the other side  are brothers and sisters in Christ?

If we enter into a debate recognizing that both sides have the same goal, to see God’s Kingdom expand, it is more difficult for us to demonize those who don’t agree with us.  The ultimate goal of any debate is to come through the process stronger and with clearer direction.  We must enter into these times of debate in a way that honors both God AND the other side.

• Am I causing disunity in the church through my actions?

In John 17 Jesus prays that the church will be united.  When we find ourselves in a disagreement it is human nature for us to enter into seek and destroy mode.  We need to be careful to protect the unity of the church and not destroy it through the building of political power bases.

• Why is this so important to me?

This is a time when we need to be looking hard at Psalm 139 and praying “search me oh God and know my heart.”  Is this about you or is this about the betterment of the church?

As you lead the church, how do YOU still the pendulum?