American Christians exist in an extremely complex society. In a country that experiences a fifty- percent divorce rate among first marriages, open live-together arrangements though not married, sex for recreation, and open homosexuality, how is relationship commitment to be defined? In a country that declares uncaught white collar thefts are acceptable, but stealing is a crime even if uncaught, how is loyalty in the workplace defined? When greed is an acceptable motive for human acts, how is a work ethic defined? When it is okay to defy the intent of a contract on the basis of a technicality, how is honesty to be defined? When the unsuspecting and vulnerable become the victims of scams, how is integrity defined?
For most people, everyday existence produces a barrage of ethical decisions and attacks on moral acts. Many by the age of 30 have faced situations they never dreamed existed at the age of 13. Many who swear that will never happen in my life eventually have it happen in their lives. Many are reeling from societies attacks and fear of what tomorrow may bring. In no way is the American world of today the American world of fifty years ago. No age is perfect, but there is an openness to and sanctioning of the undesirable as never before in our society.
What are people to do? In spite of what we may think or verbally declare, there are no quick fixes or easy solutions. We can run away, pretend all is okay, or suggest simple solutions to complex problems. We may not like the situation, but there will be no substitute for personal strength, endurance, or personally living by standards that cause society to be questioning and skeptical. In many instances, social popularity will not be one of the options we are provided.
In these complex times of too many awkward decisions, where do we go for encouragement? Where can we forget the past and begin again? Where will we find comfort in sorrow? Where can those we love encounter second chances? When we struggle, where can we find hope instead of being shoved deeper into the mire of life? Where can we be among people who would rather help us than exploit us?
The number one place that people should turn is to a congregation of Christians!
Quite soon, you will be selecting elders for this congregation. These men, in this demanding task, will determine in significant ways the spiritual environment of this congregation. Yet, none of these men will serve us in this role without our personal, collective approval. Elders serve in the role of elders through our request and approval. Please, do not take your nominations and your approval lightly. (Some of the following information is found in the book, If You Want to Be a Shepherd, Walk In the Pasture, found free at www.davidchadwell.com and on West-Ark's website. You are encouraged to read it.)
One environment that leadership in a congregation should encourage should be the environment of personal spiritual growth. The author of Hebrews was not able to share all the lessons concerning Melchizedek because his Christian readership had failed to grow (consider Hebrews 5:11-6:8). The writer classified repentance, faith, washings, laying on of hands, resurrection, and eternal judgment as elementary teachings.
Spiritual growth sounds simple, but it is not. Obviously, there are many advantages to the growth that produces maturity. Those advantages can be illustrated in the ways a person can live (chronologically endure) but not mature (not be able to mentally develop).
There are definite advantages to spiritual growth which results in spiritual maturing.
However, like all maturing, this maturing involves prices.
Producing an environment in which people spiritually can grow and develop is not simple! This challenge is one of the greatest that elders will face! Choose men you trust to guide you closer to God. Choose men who are spiritually mature! Realize they may stretch your understanding biblically as they seek to lead you closer to God!
Discussion Questions
Link to Teacher's Guide
Lesson 1