I watch a community with primarily focus on charitable causes struggle to stay united. It has been difficult, if only because one sees the impact the actions of a few have on others. Like many conflicts before, from the outside one can see that the specifics that mature, otherwise wise individuals disagree on is not the reason for the conflict. The heart of the struggle is how individuals work together.
There is a natural sequence that when broken results in something less than the best. I describe it as the why, how, what sequence. An example away from the specifics with this group is the principle of moderation. When violated, bad results follow. It is not unhealthy to have a piece of pie. On the only hand, living on a sugar based pie for weeks at a time will lead to unhealthy outcomes! The pie is never the problem. How one eats it rarely is the cause for what follows. The subject that matters is “why”.
As I watch the group struggle to maintain their bonds, there is a natural tendency to address the what. Weeks of conversation now stretch into months. The question is not of the specific conflict but the mutual embrace of the relationships in the community (how) and the reasons the community exists to start with (why). Until there is unity on why and subsequently how, the conflict itself (what) will never be seen in context.
I love example that lay out a model we can embrace. David recorded his thoughts on God taking charge; “I’m calling this meeting to order, I’m ready to set things right.” (Psalm 75.2) Let’s rediscover why we are here. Let’s reaffirm how we want to work together. With these in hand, let’s live life to the maximum! We can be the difference that Life is crying out for.
As I sit in the quiet breeze of a new day, it all seems so simple. Life is simple. Living life rarely is. Thankfully, God is willing to walk with us, strengthening us when we need it most.
