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Wade wrote:
Wade wrote:Wade wrote:When I have just simply asked about this reality that no one likes to talk about - I was told that I was judgemental.
Disillusionment is to be an eventual expected reality for the newcomer that is sincere and trusting...
temporal1 wrote: ultimately, it's important and constructive to really-really understand that humans are humans, and to always keep that humility.
Does this mean that we just shouldn't trust them or take their word for what they say?
This is what I mean - is that I trusted people and they just weren't honest about themselves.
Seems like a lonely way to live to just not trust anyone...
i'm glad you asked about this, i'll try to clarify the best i can.
what i mean about "humans are humans" is that we all CAN BE TRUSTED - to be human.
this includes ourselves. we can+do disappoint ourselves. this is what i think of "with humility."
when we sincerely keep Jesus at center, this is our one reliable "buffer" to weather our own and one another's human frailties.
God designed us to be social beings, scriptures tell us about the importance of church, community, neighbors, family - and, enemies! in scriptures, enemies get special attention.
it's hard for me to imagine what it would be like to come from an atheist background.
altho, neither did i come from an Anabaptist background (at least, i don't know my family history with Anabaptists, it was not discussed.) i was not comfortable in church until i was a married adult with young children.
thankfully, at that time, we found a church that was a good fit for each of us for a number of years. during that time, for the first (and only) time in my life, i felt we had a "home church." it was pretty good sized and active, not big; i believe many felt this way about it. special leadership. there was a good mix of ages, the young people were active and involved in church and community projects.
i did not know of Anabaptist "brotherhood" thinking until learning on this forum -
i like it a lot.
i can see where some groups could have an ideal brotherhood situation, and, i can also see potential pitfalls (as described now+then.) sometimes annoying/confusing, sometimes, serious problems.
gifted, or, inspired, leadership does not "grow on trees."
one message i hope i relayed to our children was, when you are blessed with good leadership, appreciate it! don't take it for granted. learn from it.
possibly, i might put more importance on leadership than CM's? .. i'm not sure.
i do believe in headship order; i've witnessed how people thrive under (inspired) leadership.
however, there is a pitfall to overly blame leaders when members/laity have responsibility, too.
the pieces must come together to create an optimum outcome.
i do believe as long as we are seeking, God is leading.
sometimes we understand His answers+guidance more easily than at other times. but, we can be certain He is overseeing all, using all for His ultimate plan. we are instructed to live in faith.
i try not to regret past experiences for this reason! no matter how awful or awkward, God uses all to bring His closer to Him. the trials are part of the whole.
Wade, i have had the hardest time trying to figure out how to respond!
this reads very "jumbled" to me. i'll go ahead+post, maybe something of use is in-there?
i've taken so long to write, now i have others' posts to go back+read!