The church is a remarkable group of like-minded souls. When all are dedicated to the Lordship of Christ, they move heaven and earth to rejoice in the goodness that is wrought. People who may not be taken seriously beyond the four walls of the church find a place to serve in the midst of divine dignity. Nowhere else can we all rise to our fullest potential than as a servant in the Lord’s church.
However, given the freedom and goodwill of the church, it is easy to get carried away with our own ideas. That is when a good brother or sister must remind us that all ideas are best shared together and worked though together.
Of course, the impatient mind grows tired of perceived inaction. It quickly concludes that “Nothing ever gets done around here.” He decides to just go ahead and make changes believing: “It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.”
A man who lives by the philosophy, “It is easier to get forgiveness than permission,” is a man who probably expects neither. Though one thing is certain, he has set himself on a course of isolation. Yes, some will thank him for “doing something,” but the appreciation will only last until he overrides their wishes too.
I know that you know brethren like this and are frustrated in your inability to stop them from “running roughshod over things.” It’s a sad irony that such brethren are first to complain if they are not consulted about decisions, but the last to consult others if they believe they will not get their way.
As annoying as this is, we must accept that loving one another includes watching one another make mistakes; this includes the brother who believes: “It is easier to get forgiveness than permission.”
When we make it our goal to walk in the Spirit together, our focus moves away from ‘bricks and mortar” decisions. We instead concentrate on the things that make for unity. Therein everyone understands Christ’s forgiveness, and thus are more likely to seek one another’s permission.
John Staiger
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