I received the following note from my Associate Pastor, Dave Thomas in response to my last article, “Overcoming Tribal Defeatism.” I feel certain his brief remarks will be an encouragement to you.
“Larry;
Thank you for this piece. It brought back a long-buried memory of a confrontation I had with a member of the human resources department at a large automotive company years ago, I was a maintenance supervisor at the time. I was being rebuked by the gentleman for my failure to be a team player because I had refused to support a lie put forth by higher management to our local union.
This man's contempt was obvious as I explained my allegiance to a higher team than the one he had proffered. I mentioned my team captain was the Lord Jesus Christ, and His rule book counseled me to bear no false witness. "So, you're getting all churchy on me while I'm trying to explain how seriously this could impact your career," was one of his final remarks.
That was one of a string of incidents the Lord used to tell me my career lay in a different direction, and I knew the Lord would take care of me and my family. Bro. Dave”
I have known and worked with Dave since 1975. I recall the above incident well.
The demand for absolute unquestioned loyalty to corporations is painfully known by many. Churches are not exempt, loyalty above truth is paramount in too many areas of modern life. Paul was faced with similar demands when he wrote:
Romans 3:4 “Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged."
When loyalty to the “tribe” demands a departure from loyalty to Christ and His word, we, as Paul, must stand true whatever the price. The cost of cutting corners with Christ will be far higher than any price an earthly entity puts on you for “Not going along with the team.”
This from another friend, “Larry, this article arrived at a very appropriate time. Thanks for the excellent perspective. It is a big help today. You and your ministry are much appreciated.”
Be sure of my prayers as you deal with Tribal problems along the path.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Honest IT work. Oral Deckard
“Larry;
Thank you for this piece. It brought back a long-buried memory of a confrontation I had with a member of the human resources department at a large automotive company years ago, I was a maintenance supervisor at the time. I was being rebuked by the gentleman for my failure to be a team player because I had refused to support a lie put forth by higher management to our local union.
This man's contempt was obvious as I explained my allegiance to a higher team than the one he had proffered. I mentioned my team captain was the Lord Jesus Christ, and His rule book counseled me to bear no false witness. "So, you're getting all churchy on me while I'm trying to explain how seriously this could impact your career," was one of his final remarks.
That was one of a string of incidents the Lord used to tell me my career lay in a different direction, and I knew the Lord would take care of me and my family. Bro. Dave”
I have known and worked with Dave since 1975. I recall the above incident well.
The demand for absolute unquestioned loyalty to corporations is painfully known by many. Churches are not exempt, loyalty above truth is paramount in too many areas of modern life. Paul was faced with similar demands when he wrote:
Romans 3:4 “Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: "That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged."
When loyalty to the “tribe” demands a departure from loyalty to Christ and His word, we, as Paul, must stand true whatever the price. The cost of cutting corners with Christ will be far higher than any price an earthly entity puts on you for “Not going along with the team.”
This from another friend, “Larry, this article arrived at a very appropriate time. Thanks for the excellent perspective. It is a big help today. You and your ministry are much appreciated.”
Be sure of my prayers as you deal with Tribal problems along the path.
Copyright © 2017 Larry Lilly
Honest IT work. Oral Deckard