The Answer to "I want . . ." 07/29/2009
 "We are thus forbidden to do our own will, since the Scripture saith to us: "And turn away from thy evil will" (Sir 18:30). And thus, too, we ask God in prayer that His will may be done in us (cf Mt 6:10). We are, therefore, rightly taught not to do our own will, when we guard against what Scripture saith: "There are ways that to men seem right, the end whereof plungeth into the depths of hell" (Prov 16:25). And also when we are filled with dread at what is said of the negligent: "They are corrupted and become abominable in their pleasure" (Ps 13[14]:1). But as regards desires of the flesh, let us believe that God is thus ever present to us, since the Prophet saith to the Lord: "Before Thee is all my desire" (Ps 37[38]:10)." - Rule of St. Benedict, Chapter 7. These words come from Benedict's chapter on humility. How many of us in congregations, whether we serve in the pulpit or in the pew, have thought about this concept? I certainly know a lot of pastors who are very impressed with themselves. Of course I have met many congregants who are similarly impressed. I have served in several congregations who were experiencing, or had experienced conflict. Almost all of them at some point included a pastor or parishioner, or several of each, who started many sentences with "I want . . . " The success of these congregations in surviving these experiences, and moving on to become a thriving community, is essentially measured by their ability to give up that phrase. Instead they turn to phrases like, "what does God call us to do here," or "how can I serve you." In my denomination one of the membership, and ordination vows includes the question, "who is your Lord and Savior." The required answer is, "Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior." If we declare Christ is the Lord of our lives, we must also declare that we are not out to get our own way. Instead, our way should be one considering how Jesus would have us live, and how Jesus would have us treat others. To me, the first step on that path, is the abandonment of "I want," and instead embracing humility. CommentsLeave a Reply |   Custom Search Pastor Frank
My name is Frank Fisher. I’m a native of a small town in Missouri, I spent my adolescence in Madison, Wisconsin, and ever since I entered college I’ve been a resident of Illinois. When I began college, I intended to enter pastoral ministry. Instead, I was diverted into a thirty year career with the Chicago Fire Department. I was ordained to an interim pastorate in the year 2000, and am now serving in my eighth interim. Many of you may wonder about the letters, "Obl OSB" that follow my name. The short explanation is that they mean I'm an Oblate of the Abbey of John the Baptist and Saint Benedict, an ecumenical Abbey located in Bartonville, Illinois. An Oblate is someone who has promised to follow the rule of Saint Benedict in their lives up to the point where their position in life makes following the rule impossible. CategoriesAll ArchivesJuly 2011 |
