How to Kill a Movement
Part of what Jesus wants for us in this world is to follow Him. Radical, I know. Following Him means having something called a Kingdom Mindset. Translation: He is in charge; He sets the parameters. He is King.
Unfortunately, we "mere mortals" are too often tempted to follow our own ways, our own programs, our own stuff, our own "kingdoms," whatever they may be. So, our good intentions often wind up thwarting Jesus' Kingdom Movements among us.
Of course, Jesus is no ordinary King. He is sovereign. So we don't thwart him in any traditional sense. But, when our ways oppose His ways, we run the risk of missing His blessing on our endeavors.
What are some ways that our religion, our rules, our protocols, and our structures can get in the way? Here is a partial list:
- Demand conformity of methodology
- Punish out-of-the box thinking
- Get tied to property and buildings
- Be threatened by giftedness that’s not like you
- Refuse to exercise discipline for the right things
- Be risk adverse under the guise of stewarding your people
These are part of a list from an article called, "How to Kill a Movement." I liked this article because it challenges me on the way things should be done.
The ones I've listed above are a few of my favorites. By that, I don't mean I like them, necessarily, but I think they are important. This is a painful list for someone coming from my protestant tradition--Presbyterianism--but that's just why it matters, I think. You can read the rest of the list here.
