Looming On The Horizon

Yesterday morning, I couldn't believe what I was reading. We've all said cryptic things before; statements that drop hints that something is amiss and you may or may not get the picture of what's going on. Once revealed, you realize just how incredible the result appears.

It's usually not an amazing or impressive "incredible" either, but a disbelief of incredible. A nearly rendering speechless, incredible. Come to think of it, there was another situation a few days ago, the end result of which left me in the same state of perspective.

So I had time to consider and process some thoughts about what this, before I had chance to discuss the matter with my best friend. A couple of questions, to make sure my understanding and logic were sound and sure enough, the conclusion that the end result was unbelievable was confirmed.

As I pondered the "what-if" of the details of this matter, I couldn't help but think; "if this was really the case; if there was any evidence of this more than what's on the appearance, wouldn't it be made known earlier? Wouldn't there have been concerns and questions brought up and ask long before? Red flags should be rising up across the landscape! Yet, they weren't.

Not everyone will always be "in the know" in the understanding and thought processes that go into decisions, actions and statements of a situation and that's fine. It's normal. It's healthy. There is a safety and security element, that gives protection to a community that information isn't wide-open and left exposed for misinterpretation.

As my dad stated the other day, people get the final 30 seconds or 2 minutes of a video or a conversation, totally missing the 5-10 minutes leading up to it; have no context for the matter, or fail to get the context, yet make assumptions and decisions on that result. It's a dangerous, unhealthy way to live, quite frankly.

It's even more unhealthy, in the church and it's leadership. This is why it's important to have strong, faithful, upright and Godly deacons and advisory boards. They are not to be "yes" people; however, they are "in the room" regarding circumstances and situations, conversations and the resulting decisions. They help bring and explain context when it remains elusive to the community-at-large. These are the ones, watching the horizon. These are the watchtower, of church leadership. When healthy, they protect the church community and bring a level of accountability to pastors; working to create a cohesive environment, where problems can be spotted and addressed appropriately.  Nobody likes it when life is amiss and we all have a sense when it is. Thus, it's important to have people that have the ability to discern such moments and help bring about change and correction when there is a legitimate need to move in that direction.

Pray this #deaconThursday, for the health of deacon and advisory boards with in the church. Pray God would give them increased understanding and discernment for the pastors and church communities they serve. As they stand along the church watchtowers, may the have the foresight to see problems and potential weaknesses. Whether they be approaching from outside the church or within, may the have the strength and ability address problems appropriately, respond accordingly and navigate situations and circumstances that honor God. May they have attitudes of grace and compassion, while holding fast to courage and conviction. Pray God would guard their hearts and minds; that their lives would not be amiss; thereby rendering them unable to recognize and protect when church life goes amiss and starts getting of course.

Watching the horizon
From the watchtower.
God help them serve well.

- PNC

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