The book of James and the LRC

[TLFisher]

Originally Posted by Ohio

The "New Way" promoted by WL and LSM was one of the bleakest periods in our history. All the leaders were "sized up" based on how zealous they were for the ministry. Distinctions were made among the brothers concerning who were absolute for the ministry and who were "lukewarm" towards all the new changes coming down the pike. I heard numerous stories about brothers who just loved the ministry being judged by those who were absolute for the ministry.

All these distinctions between the brothers, and the evil reasonings which precipitated numerous conflicts, came directly from LSM headquarters. LSM operatives used ministry zealots, longing for advancement within the program, to undermine many local elderships. Many of these ambitious ones became judges with evil reasonings, looking with suspicion at the brothers they one served with and considered them as enemies of the gospel and God's "move" on earth.

LSM did little to minimize these disturbances; rather they seized upon opportunities to fuel the conflicts and drive wedges between the saints, especially in those regions like the GLA where their influence was limited. Oftentimes, all manner of evil was justified for the greater good, defined narrowly as "WL's burden."

Ohio, your post reminds me of a passage I read tonight in Proverbs chapter 6.

There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

These verses are equally appropriate to what happened in the New Way and what happened in the GLA within the last decade. In each turmoil there are those who spread the strife and there are those who react to the strife. In each instance LSM had brothers quarantined for reacting to strife.

[ZNPaaneah]

Originally Posted by Terry

Ohio, your post reminds me of a passage I read tonight in Proverbs chapter 6.

There are six things which the Lord hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers.

These verses are equally appropriate to what happened in the New Way and what happened in the GLA within the last decade. In each turmoil there are those who spread the strife and there are those who react to the strife. In each instance LSM had brothers quarantined for reacting to strife.

James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

I think this last expression is very interesting "mercy rejoiceth against judgment"

The way to react to seeing the merciless judgments and abuse in the LRC or anywhere is with mercy. This mercy causes rejoicing and it conquers the merciless judgments that are spewn about.

[aron]

Originally Posted by ZNPaaneah

The way to react to seeing the merciless judgments and abuse in the LRC or anywhere is with mercy.

If you ever go on a farmer's property, likely the "house dog" comes out in an antagonistic posture, attempting to warn his owner with loud barks, and signalling you to stay away via raised hackles, bared teeth, growling, and an "attack posture". I always found that the most successful strategy was to show no fear, but to continually say, "Nice doggie", etc.

The dog was saying, in effect, "You are alien; you are enemy, and I will not receive you", and I was signalling, "You are friend, you are nice doggie, and even if you growl I will receive you." In almost every case, mercy would triumph using this strategy. Peace would conquer antagonism.

The word "dominion" is much underappreciated, I think. When we see "Have dominion over the earth and subdue it", we think of bulldozers and strip mines and parking lots. But when you go back to the "Alpha male" posturing scenario with the farmer's dog, maybe dominion is when you show unrelenting tranquility and love. You are saying, "In spite of everything you may try to do to me, I still have enough power to love you". This is, I believe, the power of Christ, and the foundation of His kingdom. In spite of the grief, and the wounds we caused Him to suffer, He still loved us so much that eventually we were subdued. The power of His peace overcame our strife. I love that Jerusalem can mean "foundation of peace".