In Church Ministry class this semester, we're studying the life of Bonhoeffer - the German pastor who was hanged for trying to assassinate Adolf Hitler. He was a brilliant author, teacher, and student of God's Word. His life has impacted me - especially these past 3 weeks because I've had some incredibly important decisions to make, and I've been trying to answer that old, burned out question, "What's God's Will?" Can it be specific today - 2008, America, Baptist Bible College - to a 19 year old, middle class, pastoral ministry student?
I'm sure it can.
But how?
Bonhoeffer believed there were two ways to find God's Specific Will - the Word and the Community. The Word of God provides the framework - there are parameters, guidelines, principles, and commands that provide the "borders" for God's Will.
However...
The Community of God is a little tricky. Christians can be great people - even well-meaning, but their interpretations and expectations of my life can sometimes be extremely misguided. However - Bonhoeffer discouraged this skeptical attitude of Community which was a real challenge to me. Personally - I've struggled trusting the Community of Christ because of my background in church and relationships.
But that skepticism isn't from God.
It's from Satan.
God's design for His Body is to form a Community - a trusting, loving Community where we can share, confess, and encourage each other in our walks with Christ. So these past 3 weeks, I've been trying to reach out and utilize the power in Community as I try to find God's Specific Will for these decisions I need to make. The third element of prayer has rounded out the process. A week long visit with my dad didn't hurt either...
All that to say - God's Will is Specific - and it takes Faith.
Faith in God, His Word, Community and Prayer.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Wow, what a good reminder (that I needed right NOW in fact). Thanks Dan. I took Church's Min last semester and I LOVED studying Bonhoeffer. I'm so glad you're enjoying it too!
-mj
i wanted to acknowledge that i read and appreciate this...but otherwise have no great response, so--
i read and appreciate this. :)
There are other components to discerning God's will -- the Holy Spirit's leading (or prohibition), the circumstances in which God has placed you, your giftings, the people with whom God has joined you, etc.
-KSL
www.socialdgrl1c.blogspot.com
I agree that the body of Christ is supposed to be a community, and there is supposed to be a special unity characteristic of God's people... but I'll be honest.. more often than not, I can't see it. We as human beings are so affected by the fall and our sinful nature, that it tears apart bonds with incredible intensity. I'll be honest, there is almost no one better at tearing down a believer than another believer. Why is this?? We are supposed to be building each other up, and yet, so often, we almost do more damage than good with our "good intentions".
I guess all I'm trying to say is that we need to be working towards building that community, but there is nothing wrong with being cautious or even a little skeptical. God gave us discernment for a reason.. not all skepticism is from Satan...
Just throwing some thoughts out there, love ya bud
I don't know when you'll get this, Dan, but take it from someone who has been there. A wise man once told me that God's will is less about location and more about obedience. Romans 8:28-30 is a great passage. God has predestined us to look more like Jesus. Sometimes, the decisions that you'll face will not be between good and bad but between good and excellent. Keep Romans 8 in your mind - God's best (His Will) for you is that you look more like Jesus. Keep your focus there.
Ben Bacon
Post a Comment