Discretion

The apostle Paul wrote to the Romans: You know well enough from your own experience that there are some acts of so-called frredom that destroy freedom. Romans 6: 16 MSG

Burning a Quran is a constitutional right but such choices have preditable consequences. Less severe or radical but just as predictable is the building of a (constitutionally legitimate) mosque near ground zero.

Discretion might be a mask for cowardice but more often is a recognition that our role and decisions serve God's greater values and aims.

I remember a fellow who attended the church I was serving. He seemed to be quite knowledgable about scripture. I heard he had started a Bible study. He came to me (supposedly to acknowledge my ecclesial authority) and discussed his study. I told him that although the people he was attracting were not confident in their knowledge of scripture, I trusted their hearts and the Spirit to lead their discernment. One by one they came to me with concerns. I helped them reach good decisions for their families. After a few months this fellow had moved on. ... Six months later he was back.  He needed a place where his family was accepted. I told him that they were welcome but I expected real respect and deference to the beliefs of our church. He seemed relieved. It felt like grace.

moments and choices

Last Sunday I spoke about living in the moment and the significance of our choices. On Monday as I approached the small ladder, it occurred to me that I should turn around and back down the ladder.  But it was only two steps and I wanted to help Peggy so I hopped on. It was a short ride. Too brief to be called ladder surfing ... although the ladder did slide out from beneath me.

Now I experience new moments and choices. Shaving with my left hand. Probable surgery. Having my pants fastened by my bride. Typing with my left hand. Maybe finally testing voice recognition software.

As the doctor puts some scews in ... I think I'll request a search for those other loose screws to be tightened.