Another Crossroad

The band, Petra, has a song from their "On Fire" album, simply titled "Another Crossroad. Written by Bob Hartman and based on Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 10:30, it talks about days of indecision and how are minds change, as to what we should do and when. However, when I don't know which way to go, "my steps are ordered and I know I'll find the way, when your Word lights the path and I obey." Hartman closes the lyrics with the words: "It's not hard to miss a turn along the way; I know I've missed some in my day. I don't want to be wrong, I want to do what's right. I know that you can lead me through the maze; When I acknowledge you in all my way."

As I reflected on Friday's court ruling regarding marriage, and reading some posts online, the response is incredible. And for the couple of interactions I've had with people already, this is definitely a "crossroads" moment. As the world looks to how Christians respond, I found myself having to think carefully. Not out of fear of anyone's response, but in light of, am I responding as me, or as Christ through me?

Even, in typing this, I found myself engaged in conversation with one of a different opinion on this matter and again, found myself thinking... where is my reasoning and logic and perhaps a little sarcasm and where is speaking the truth in love to a world who thinks they understand and know what's going on, while anyone who disagrees with them, simply doesn't have a clue.

So...as we pray for church and community engagement this weekend, particularly in light of recent events, these are some things that I know I will struggle to keep in mind...

- We are all sinners in need of a Savior. There is but one evil nature in the heart of man. One broken relationship weighs in the balance of eternity
- But for the grace of God, go I. Before coming to Christ, who knows where any of us would find ourselves in any set of circumstances defending any kind of behavior or belief. You could be witnessing to yourself across the table, for all you know.
- Speak the truth in love.
- Many people know more than I do...but that doesn't mean I don't have a clue.
- Seek to understand. Then to be understood.
- Pray and let the Holy Spirit do His work. I can only share, not convince and certainly not convict.

Whether you believe He exists or not, none of us are qualified to be God.

While this is a national debate, it will happen "won by one" as Mylon LeFevre sang many years ago. Pray for God to do the miraculous as conversations between church and communities take place. Pray for patience and understanding to be shared during times of discussion. Pray for wisdom and discernment in the words and attitudes that are shared, that they would not be personal attacks against each other, but personal encounters with the Truth, that is Jesus.

We have all disagreed with people we love, people we care about, people we like...whether they are family, friends, co-workers, bosses and more. We have done so while one party or the other was not happy about the external scenario, but genuinely cared for the entire well being of each other. Pray that God will work the miraculous during this time. It's not a matter of one side or the other "winning" or being on the right or wrong side of history.

The only issue that matters is eternity.  This issue isn't the end-all-be-all of issues...it's just the opportunity God will use for us to realize that in comparison to Him, the entire world is on the wrong side of His Story and Eternity, save the intersection where His Cross meets your road.

-PNC

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