EmmDev 2016-06-07 [Treasure in Clay Pots (2Cor)] Conflicts #3 Ownership

Conflicts #3 Ownership

I call God as my witness that it was in order to spare you that I did not return to Corinth. 24 Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.      (2Corinthians1:23-24)

There had been a breach in the relationship between Paul and the congregation in Corinth. We can't pinpoint the issue(s) exactly, but it would seem that they were serious issues around doctrine, discipline and their view of Paul as their founder/mentor/father-in-the-Lord.

Paul now explains that when these issues arose he did not rush back to Corinth to "lay down the law" or "take a firm hold of the situation". This is indicative of great maturity on the part of Paul. Every parent knows that there is a time to hold back when there is a temptation to charge in.

Paul is clear - he does not have a "Messiah complex" he did not take too much "ownership" over the congregation in Corinth. He did not take himself too seriously ("not that we lord it over your faith".) To charge in and rescue them from themselves may have caused them to trust in Paul instead of trusting in God. Paul was convinced that "it is by faith you stand firm."

We've all made mistakes in this area (especially as parents) - we hold on too tightly, we think that it all depends on us and when trouble comes, we wade in with a big mop.

Sometimes we have to trust the process.
Sometimes we have to trust the community/the child.
Sometimes we have to trust God.

Sometimes this is the best way to resolve conflict:
Take a step back, let things cool down, trust God.

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