Solomon said there is nothing new under the sun. Yet each generation seems to emphasize not only different ideas and life-styles but different social configurations. Our culture, in particular, seems always to be changing: social norms and mores and who enforces them, definitions of appropriate social behavior and how that behavior is encouraged and discouraged, the role of an individual in community and the role of community in the individual. We are mobile yet sedentary and often exposured to diverse cultures.
Does church structure reflect those changes? Should it? What part of social do the scriptures reinforce? How much flexibility is there?
Each generation is faced with constant change swirling around a God who remains unchanging - alive and well. His Body remains alive and well. His Word remains alive forever accomplishing what He sent it to accomplish, destined also to stand through generational changes either through us or despite us. The Corinthians had their discussions about meat and vegetables, holidays and feast days.
Sometimes Jesus operated one on one - with a friend, with a stranger. Sometimes He visited a family. Sometimes He interacted with a small group. Sometimes He addressed a whole community. He sent people out in different configurations. He had family, neighbors, followers. He was part of a larger community yet He had a very specific work to do and He seemed to know what He needed to do whatever situation He found Himself.
What goals are better accomplished alone? at home in nuclear family? by a couple of families working together? in peer groups? in a larger multi-generational community? I think I've asked similar questions before.
What is the goal, anyway? Or is it just enough to live and not have any goals at all? What about Jesus? And if I am to be a disciple, what can I learn from his disciples? Did they have goals or were they just living their lives one day at a time? How do I live like them? I'm part of a family. How do we do it ?
Are the answers the same for everyone, for every family? Should they be? Were they the same for the whole people of God? For each of the disciples? For everyone Jesus touched? What answers are the same for everyone and what answers aren't?
Do the scriptures have answers? Again, I'd venture, yes. There were things Jesus said to huge crowds, things he said to His disciples and to individual people. Jesus' response to Peter regarding John in John 21:22 ". . . 'If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me.' "
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