Beneficial Conflict

I recently heard a friend, Ralph Garay, talking about the affect that problems and difficulties can have in our life. Ralph pointed out that not much good happens in our life that is not born in some trouble or conflict. As I have been reading the Scriptures in observance of this Passion season, I could not help but notice the intentional stirring of trouble that Jesus caused. There would have been several good opportunities for Him to have avoided the brutal ending in Jerusalem. He could have passed on going to the Passover Feast. He certainly could have avoided the clear release that He gave to Judas to perform his act of treason, but it was as if Jesus could not stop pressing for the conflict.
We know, theologically, that He was being intentional. The conflict brought about His death, which brings about our opportunity for being reconciled to the Father.
I hear story after story of under lying conflict in our churches. Most of what I hear about is how to deal with it, which usually means, "How do we keep it for occurring, or becoming a big mess?"
The truth is, for most of our churches a good healthy conflict would be a welcome experience. many of the situations that cripple and derail the work and ministry of most churches will probably never be dealt with in a manner that resolves. But if a church, and if we as leaders will go ahead and allow the conflict to come and get it out on the table and then allow the Holy Spirit to help us deal with it in a healthy manner, then perhaps the stronghold of control and manipulation can be broken. I see many settings where entire congregation are held captive by the threat of "causing a scene."
Maybe we ought to go ahead and live up to our "fighting Baptist" title and and allow the soldiers to come on in and get some resolution. I fear that our fear of "trouble" is going to end up in the greatest trouble of all, we will be found sitting by the wayside, handcuffed by threatens of trouble, while the Holy Spirit marches right on past us in His carrying out the ministry of Jesus. Perhaps this Easter season we ought to hear His words again, "If any one will be My disciple, let him take up His cross and follow me." Healthy conflict usually sees positive forward moves.

Easter Anxieties

I have been reading a lot of material recently trying to learn more about the high levels of anxiety that typically exist in our churches. It is evident that it is present in all churches, but it exists at different levels. It can be very minimal and seems to relate to concerns like finances, adequate workers, etc. Or it may be very chronic to the level that the pastor approaches the worship times with fear and worry as to who will be the next to be upset. Business sessions may look like a powder keg, hallways may be dotted with "let me tell you this..." groups.
Then I am reading through the Passion narratives in the scriptures and I see Jesus placed in the middle of an ocean of anxious people. Priests, Sanhedrin members filled to the brim with anxiety, expressed in fear and illogical behaviour. Soldiers are caught between the volatile Jewish leaders and their obligations to the commanders. Followers of Jesus are caught in the flurry of emotions from Palm Sunday to the violent scene in the Garden of betrayal.
One glaring contrast in this storm of anxiety is the non anxiousness of Jesus. He very calmly explains to His disciples that soon, just like bread His body will be broken, soon, just like wine, His blood will be spilled. He will tell Peter to put up his sword and He will stand in front of His accusers and totally suppress any outrage or personal defense.
How did He do that? How did He remain so non anxious and is there a hope for us? I think the answer is yes for us and here is how I see it for Jesus. Jesus had firmly fixed His heart on pleasing the Father and doing His will. His level of confidence in the absolute faithful support and presence of the Father was fixed. So the storm around Him was entirely around Him and not "in" Him.
Jesus had made real "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed upon thee...". May we use this Passion Season to re fix our own mind upon the reliability and trustworthiness of our Father. Perhaps we will see that as with Jesus, our non anxious presence may also produce a reduced anxiety around us.