Christian Virtues
Transcript
The simple turbine blade relentlessly tested in wind tunnels and designed to perfection. Engineered to cut through air with the ultimate smoothness.
The humpback whale flipper, nobby, warty and clearly less efficient, or is it? Scientists have been surprised to discover that the multitude of bumps bring more stability and reduce drag 32% versus a smooth design.
It’s counterintuitive, just like turning our attention in the middle of conflict from information to formation. We tend to think that information can solve any problem like the ones that arise
between church and culture or even arguments within the Church. We engineer our talking points with all the right information but when we try to fight for our points, quoting chapter and verse and tearing into our opponents, we come up short. We’ve forgotten that the information is for something to form and change us. You might say that we’ve neglected the weightier matters.
The fact is we’re not the kind of people we need to be and that’s why we need the Church and it’s practices. Worship forms us, helping us see these conflicts through the lens of love for God and neighbor making the Church the perfect venue for these conversations.
Information is good but it’s not enough. We need to be reformed, redirected, reminded of the good.
The greatest commandment, love of God and neighbor. What that looks like needs work but it’s bound to involve sacrifice because love is the only way to truth.
Knowing is no substitute for growing.
The best part is we’ve been given everything we need for life and godliness. All of that stuff we learned in Sunday school it applies here. We need not fear the fires of conflict because conflict is a catalyst for growth. We’re in formation, that’s gospel.
Discussion Questions:
-
When we’re in the middle of a conflict, is it counterintuitive to turn our attention from information (e.g., news feeds) to formation? Why? Can you see yourself doing it?
-
Have you ever gathered information to fight for your point against an opponent? In what ways is that satisfying? In what ways is it not?
-
In what ways is information good? In what ways does it harm?
-
Discuss the claim made in the video: “Worship forms us, helping us see conflict through the lens of love for God and neighbor.” Have you ever seen people engage in conflict differently because they worship together? If you haven’t seen this, can you imagine what it might be like?
-
Could your church be a safe place to have difficult conversations about divisive issues? Do you see your church being open to trying a new way of engaging conflict, not as war but as a gift? Talk about how these ideals could be put into practice at your church and discuss barriers to doing so.