Thursday, September 21, 2006

Perspective is Everything

I have been hearing for several weeks now about how Dr. Patterson and Dr. Eitel have been manipulating the IMB and the SBC through these "white" papers. I read for the first time Dr. Patterson's cover letter and Dr. Eitel's first "white"paper concerning the IMB. It is amazing at the difference between what some have been implying was argued and what actually was stated in the both of the aformentioned documents. I was reminded of what I have learned many times over during my experience in the ministry, in marriage and in life in general, the perspectice of a person is that person's reality. The way a person looks at any given situation or circumstance is vital in what that person sees. This is extremely obvious in the current situation with those blogging about the SBC and IMB. I have also learned that in between two sides is the truth. I have been pondering the lense through which the participants of the debate are looking, the filter through which they process the information and reach their own "logical" conclusion. It is very obvious that what they see or perceive they hold dearly to; they defend it with a voraciousness that is extraordinary. But what is the truth? I believe, as I attempt to look through the filter/lense of Scripture, that the truth is that God placed men such as Adrian Rogers, Jerry Vines, Judge Paul Pressler, Paige Patterson, and others in leadership in "such a time as this" because they were and are men who led and are leading God's people in the way He wanted and wants us as Southern Baptist to go. They took steps to turn the tide of the SBC based on a holy perspective of the Word of God. I believe they took the action they did based on verses such as Proverbs 29:18. This verse says "Where there is no vision/revelation, the people perish..." I would encourage you to take a few moments to study the types of vision that are inferred in the passage and also study the types of death/perishing that takes place with a lack of vision on the part of God's people. I believe that if it were not for men like those mentioned earlier that there would no longer be a Southern Baptist Convention, or at least not one that I would choose to be apart of. I am proud today to be known as a Southern Baptist preacher, I am proud today to be the pastor of a Southern Baptist Church, but I can say that I am what I am because of the stance that these great men have led us in concerning the inerrant, infallible Word of God. WE must be careful not to lose the perspective/vision. It is first and foremost theological then missional. If we do not have the correct theology, how can we DO mission in the way God has dictated in the Great Commission. The verses that comprise the Great Commission are the only marching orders Christ gave to you and me. I pray that your perspective allows you to SEE clearly so that others may SEE Jesus in you in everything you do, say, and type. They are watching, but what are they seeing?

4 comments:

Jeremy Green said...

Michael,

Excellent post. Thanks and God bless!!!

In Christ,
JLG

Jeremy Green said...

Mike,

BTW, I have linked to this post on my most recent blog. God bless!!!

In Christ,
JLG

Pastor Mike said...

Thanks for the comments Jeremy. "Together We Can" make a difference.

Serving Him,
Mike

Pastor Mike said...

Jeremy,
Did you read my post on Brad's blog that shared Dr. Eitel's second white paper?

Serving Him,
Mike