CAUGHT BETWEEN THE CROSS AND A HARD PLACE

We live in strange times. I don’t know, though, that they are stranger than others. There is one side of us which craves for more of today’s privileges while the opposite side flinches at perpetual blatant matters of disgust. This may point out we are simply and both spirit and flesh. Presents days are pretty bullish about keeping everything in politically-correct order. Because of that there is great emphasis on getting along, not rubbing anyone the wrong way, and avoiding conflict.

For those who don’t know me well, these three would be of endearing importance to me. I don’t like trouble.

So what am I doing in the church? The bigger question is what am I doing as a leader in the church? This zone is the most targeted for disruption and upset of any system on the globe. Oddly, this happens to be the system of greatest meaning. The word “purpose” in scripture is nearly always in the context of suffering. We are caught between the cross and a hard place and the more we find ourselves stranded in this area, the more we will have a sense of meaningful purpose.

My message to you is that while you bear the sweet fruit of the Holy Spirit, don’t back down front tangles which are kingdomly important. It isn’t about you (or me). It’s about invading a dark and stubborn world with the “releasing the captives” mentality into a new land of light and opportunity. The church is struggling against the high tides of darkness, my friend. Many are being peeled away and sinking to their demise. It’s courageous ones as you who hold the name of Jesus high above the crowds to draw a few toward him. You are caught between a cross and a hard place. Usually that cross is set on a hill….to be seen.