Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Maturity is growing in insensitivity

Many view mature spiritual leaders in the church as those who are especially sensitive and aware. And so they are. But sensitivity is ironic—so often becoming sensitive to the right things means become insensitive to the wrong things.

I realize this working with the young group. A good way to broadcast immaturity is to show sensitivity. Sensitive to what she thinks about me. Sensitive what others will think about me. Sensitive about every aspect my future career hopes and plans. Sensitive if my needs (idolatrous or otherwise) will be met in just the way I hope. Sensitive that I won’t look weird or out of sorts. Sensitive that I will look to normal or status quo. Sensitive that I will be safe. etc

Blast it all and grow up. Thicken your skin. Take a few cold showers. Open your eyes to the world—its pain, poverty, randomness, and overwhelming size. Roll up your sleeves and get busy doing what God aims to do with your life. And if you don’t know quite what that is—start dying (to self) trying.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

How about sensitive to bad doctrine? Try that one on for size. Being sensitive to bad doctrine means that we will be bold to expose the worldly influences that pervert the gospel (I Tim. 6:20-21). As well we will rebuke those who practice those ungodly teachings (Eph 5:11). That takes some godly guts!

David said...

Good point-- being sensitive to the truth of the Word will give us boldness (insensitivity to the fear of man)to the world. But knowing the world will also desire to critique in a spirit of love...