Lent
March 13, 2017
Scripture Reading: Exodus 17:1-7
From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the Lord commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink. The people quarreled with Moses, and said, ‘Give us water to drink.’ Moses said to them, ‘Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the Lord?’ But the people thirsted there for water; and the people complained against Moses and said, ‘Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and livestock with thirst?’
–Exodus 17:1-3
What is it about people that we want what we want when we want it but often take no responsibility for making it happen? Not having water to drink is serious. Death occurs within days with continuous lack of water or water equivalent. Fear can cause people to become quarrelsome in times of peril. A long history of oppression, like the Israelites experienced in slavery under Egypt, discourages self-determination. I wonder how many of the Israelites left Egypt simply because everyone else was doing it? Not having a clear purpose stifles initiative.
The challenge with working with a group of people of differing ages, personalities, or goals in life is helping them find the common cause from which they can build a better reality. This is exactly what every church faces as it strives to do its part in being the Body of Christ in the world today. The problems differ if the group is well known to each other or very new to each other and the church is generally coordinated both circumstances.
It goes against human nature but it is always easier to deal with issues when they arise rather than letting them fester and grow. Moses addressed discord quickly in our scripture today. Introducing new ideas calls on creative skills. Most important of all is assuring that people buy-in to the mission and vision of the group. Practicing good listening skills helps too.
Practical stuff, people in business deal with every day, can more easily be determined when profit margin is the primary target of a for-profit entity. What is the primary target or focus of the church or a congregation?
Prayer: Lord, what are you calling us to do or be? Help us to become one in our mission in service to you. Help us find our niche. Amen.