A New Perspective

This post is a new perspective or rather, a perspective that must be kept in mind.  That is, what I realize I need to keep in mind, since I am the one at fault:

Now this being said (see last post), we must introduce another problem not considered thus far in my talk.  Though I believe, personally, that the Youth Group paradigm is inherently flawed and that the blame should not be placed on any leader trying to make a positive difference in the life of the young person, and even though someone, being in the minority about this issue, wants to put into practice his conviction by performing what is right, must weigh carefully the action of bringing these convictions about, so as to remain faultless in the eyes of those who choose to do otherwise.

It is difficult not to share our own personal convictions with others who are uninformed about such matters; especially when they did not ask about your opinion in the first place.  There is a stratagem here one must employ in order not to be a stench to other brothers and sisters.  there is freedom, yes.  But we must look to the edification of others in the main points; not the side points.

Perhaps the paradigm is inherently flawed because we can trace its roots back to some faulty premise.  Perhaps the model has an invalid presuppostion; but we have built it into a huge edifice.  That being so it would now require careful deconstruction, by suggesting a better alternative paradigm, instead of wholesale destruction.  It is these kinds of things that bring me into a study of Romans chapter 12.  For what happens when someone, in the pursuit of spiritual excellence, brings everyone else into judgment because people do not see eye to eye the convictions God has laid on your heart?  Or who would, instead, choose not to consider your viewpoints because they see their time best spent elsewhere.  Perhaps they feel that since the edifice  is already constructed that their best time should be spent in rehabilitating the inner rooms making them more serviceable.  You, on the other hand, would rather spend your time in tearing it down and building a better designed building.  But maybe the right approach is to lay the framework for a new building that, in the end, will supersede or displace the old framework.  In that way the old building eventually succumbs to decay from disuse and falls down on its own.  But with either example, our attitudes (or my attitude) should be sensitive to the feelings and concerns of others.  This is being Christ like - refusing to judge and refusing to be a big mouth towards others about our own convictions.  The scriptures declare that God will raise up workers to work the fields and if God has laid a conviction on your heart, he will give the power to see it through without you trying to push your agenda on others who will only see you as judgmental which translates, in their minds, as a serious case of spiritual pride.  This will only lead to seclusion and alienation.  If others feel you are pushing your views on them, they will go on to greener pastures.  Instead, let your life be blameless.  And your attitude be like Christ so that they can see your good example.  If this is so, then you'll gain repect and honor and position.  But in all things let our model be like Paul's description in Romans 12.  Let this be our practice.

-Joe