PERSPECTIVE Don Atkin

REFLECTING UPON LACKING REFORMATION 

I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you. – Titus 1:5. 

Pretty clear.  Titus was a spiritual son to Paul, who delegated apostolic authority to him for this assignment—to set in order things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city.  Paul dared to command Titus to do so. 

I am nearly in tears as I reflect upon the present-day things that are lacking in most expressions of the church: 

(1)   Order. 

(2)   Accountability. 

(3)   Apostles serving regions. 

(4)   Citywide elders appointed by apostles.

(5)   Capacity to command w/o lording it over God’s heritage. 

My heart is crying for specific local situations where the things that are lacking are taking their toll among people whom I personally know and love.  Ministers, elders and flocks are unnecessarily struggling with relational issues, financial issues, directional issues and more. 

The present-day systems of men are corrupt, thrusting wonderful people right back into the midst of the wages of (corporate) sin, and robbing them of the victory that is ours in Christ.  

Spiritual band-aids (not really so spiritual) provide no lasting remedy.  Pressures mount with exponential accumulation while we try to accomplish that which is virtually impossible with today’s human structures and mentalities. 

We will fail to enjoy the fruitfulness that is our heart’s desire so long as previous experiences (good and bad) cause us to shrink back from God’s divine order.   

When will we face our fears head-on, bite the bullet, and get free of the past?  When will we get over it, suck it up and deal with it?  When will we cast off the restraints of our traditional security blankets, and embrace true reformation of the church? 

The life-giving Spirit wants to breathe upon us, not merely to create an event, but to reform and restore us to God’s divine and eternal intention.  

Church leaders are responsible.  The first step in the reformation process is our commitment to embrace repentance as our lifestyle.

To everything there is a season. 

Often, both are going on at the same time. 

This teaches us Contextualization. 

This produces in us Integrity. 

Such is life.