Smasher-uppers and a testimony

When you feel you are in the right and others are wrong it's easy to make trouble. You don't need big issues to do damage. In my ministry I have encountered big issues, sometimes when leaders fixate on something they are so sure about. And, always, discernment about what is good or evil is a necessary spiritual discipline. (Heb. 5:15). But you can fall out seriously on lesser matters. In my decades (!) of ministry I guess one of the most obvious issue has centred on music. Moving from formal worship with classic hymns to contemporary music in less formal ways has sharpened strong opinions. 

Recently, I came across a- book - a self-published autobiography by a gifted musician who happened to have led worship in one of my churches. I remembered he had briefly mentioned his time in my church. Only a few words, mainly about one Sunday evening. He was in the congregation when a visiting group (I think of young people) led worship. At one point the congregation was encouraged to dance in the aisles, though no-one actually did!  He was near me standing at the door afterwards, when an older lady stormed up to me. He names her - she was one of the old faithfuls. And she was furious. He says that she stamped her feet. (I think that's artistic licence). But her attack was ferocious and wounding. 'How dare I allow music to degenerate and ruin her church etc.' Apparently I responded with pastoral concern while challenging her to see a bigger picture. I supposedly said that she couldn't bully her way because she felt she was right! Anyway, it was the end for her and storming out she finished with the church. What surprised and saddened me was to read that the author, my music director, was to resign too. He couldn't cope with any more smashing-up. Though I talked with him about his move, he never revealed this story until I read the book! How sad. (As a healing footnote - the angry lady eventually returned. Perhaps other churches she visited were even worse! I like to think it was love that won her back). 

How does the apostle Paul deal with these smasher-uppers. In the best way possible. He answers that question Who matters most in church? by giving his testimony about Jesus.  That's the corrective to any who lose sight of Jesus. GIVE YOUR TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS.  LIVE YOUR TESTIMONY.

What a deeply personal testimony this is. He confronts these Judaizers whose credentials bolster their self-confidence about how right they are. It's as though Paul says: 'If you want to play the credential game about being right let me tell you I outclass you'. Look at the list, verses 4-6 . Not only circumcised, Hebrew of Hebrews, Pharisee, but a persecutor of the church. 'As for legalistic righteousness, faultless.'(verse 6). He knew that he was just so right he crusaded to destroy the church. 

But now he says he was so wrong. So very wrong.

Now I have met Jesus. Actually, he met me. And all these credentials I once thought all-important are gone from my life. Because 'Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, first hand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant - dog dung (The Message v 8 remembering the street dog!)  It is extraordinary - the arch persecutor now founding church missionary for Jesus. Utterly amazing. It's one of the greatest Christian testimonies, so dramatically moving from darkness to light. Now it's all about Jesus. 

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