Some of the most challenging people to connect with in the body of Christ are those who feel that they have an enlightened, private interpretation of their own about Scripture, the church, people, culture, practices, preferences, etc. They’re full of alternate ideas and suggestions of how things should be done, said, taught, etc. They’re right and everyone else is wrong, but you’re still expected to work with them and include them, despite their obstinance and “been there more often, done that better, and bought the superior t-shirt” attitude.
This is not to say that we can’t all learn from these personalities. None of us have a corner on the market of knowledge and experience and God DOES bring people into our lives and into our churches that can share new experiences with us, in the journey, along the way. But there’s a difference between bringing your “lessons learned the hard way”, growth and maturity into new relationships and entering new relationships with the goal of making them look like your old relationships that failed along the way.
“How can I help us better pursue God’s glory for His Kingdom” goes much farther than “Can you just do things the way I want you to?” The difference may be as subtle as authentic humility and self-important arrogance. It’s not about your way or my way. It’s about His way!
Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. ~ Matthew 6:10
Minimizing me...making much of Jesus 