Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross COLUMN: The X-Files Circle of Protection by Mitchell Skelton The Musk Ox seems to have more sense than God's family at times. When faced with danger, musk oxen form a circle with their heads and horns facing outward. In the center of this circle of protection, musk oxen place their young and weak. They gather for mutual protection rather that trying to go out on their own or running away. We can learn a lot from the Musk Ox. When things get tough, we have a tendency to withdraw from those who care for us the most. When trouble comes, instead of coming together to draw on our mutual strength, we stray from the pack and conjure up lame excuses to justify our actions. We should all remember the old saying, "Christians aren't perfect, just forgiven." As long as we are on this earth, Christians will make mistakes. Sometimes these mistakes will be embarrassing, not only to the person themselves but also to the church. Our tendency in such cases is to distance ourselves from the situation. We leave the weak ones outside the circle of protection to fend for themselves. Scripture tells us that we have an obligation to our brothers and sisters in spiritual need. "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1,2). Young Christians are especially vulnerable to being abandoned in their time of need. Mature Christians should be the first to stand beside a fallen brother or sister. We need not be afraid to admit that we too have stood where they are standing. By doing so, we are not condoning their sin, but rather we are protecting them in a time of weakness. We are showing them that while perfection is not in our lot as humans, maturity is. Jesus was not afraid to stand beside those who had fallen prey to temptation. In the case of the woman caught in adultery, Jesus stood beside her and became a one man "circle of protection." Not once did Jesus say her actions were acceptable, yet not once did Jesus act as if she was unworthy of his presence. On the contrary, once the protagonists had disappeared, those who delight in the fall of another, Jesus was able to show her the way to repentance. "Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin" (John 8:11). Helping God's children in their darkest time of need is as close to being Christ-like as one can get. It was for this purpose that Jesus came to earth, and it is because of our sin that he suffered death on the cross. "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers" (1 John 3:16). ---- What's your reaction to this article? Tell us here: http://www.forthright.net/the_xfiles/circle_of_protection.htm ---- COLUMN: Reality Check High Maintenance Membership by Stan Mitchell "(Love) ... is not rude, it is not self seeking; is not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13:5). The first time I heard the expression "high maintenance," it was regarding a friendship that had been recently broken. "It was," the person was saying, "a high maintenance friendship anyway." What an expressive way of putting it! Here was a friend who had to be constantly pampered, was frequently offended, forever apologized to. One day I was admiring a new Jaguar when a mechanically inclined friend explained that these high priced pieces of engineering have to be constantly tuned, or they would not run properly. It made me feel a little better about my "Detroit (Ford) Mercedes"! Are you a "high maintenance" church member? Or do you just keep ticking on, serving the Lord, worshipping him regularly, making your contribution to the church's programs, atmosphere, and health? There is nothing more time consuming and disheartening than constantly taking a car for repairs; there is nothing that drags down an eldership more than constantly having to repair someone whose feelings have been hurt, who is in need of tuning. Of course it must be done from time to time, but if there are some who come to worship regardless of their being reminded, who visit the sick or the needy without being urged, who volunteer to teach without being sent a gilt-edged invitation, that would free up the energy of leadership to reach the lost, and restore the truly needy. I ask it kindly, lovingly. Are you a "High Maintenance" member? ---- What's your reaction to this article? Tell us here: http://www.forthright.net/reality_check/high_maintenance_membership.htm ---- You can help us get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.htm