The
reason I wrote was to see if you are found to be trustworthy and are obeying
all God requires of you. (2Corinthians 2:9)
A strong relationship of trust is not about
benefitting and then abandoning the person while wishing them the best.
Extending trust genuinely requires valuing a person enough to love them into a
mutually accountable relationship. That investment of your time and energy to
provide or plan for feedback and help to navigate uncertain, new paths is often
the costliest action you can take. Will you pay that cost?
Paul knows that you can trust a person too
much; so much that they will be harmed by your refusal to continue accepting
the responsibility for your people’s welfare. The Corinthian people were part
of Paul’s responsibility, and he continued to monitor and encourage them
regularly. With constant temptation, and the cares of everyday life, your
people need for you to love them enough to stay involved in their lives. As you
grant them authority, they do become responsible for their part, but you
continue to bear responsibility for obeying God’s command to love them. In the
absence of accountability, your people will often deceive themselves as they
are left to measure their own actions.
Love your people enough to help them avoid
this deception. Give them the accountability they need to continue pursuing
God’s vision for their lives.
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