I am confused. I am fearful. I do not understand.
Okay, okay.. Where am I going with this? Why am I confused, fearful, and lacking in understanding regarding the Batteries? I think that it stems in part from pride and self reliance.
When the concept of the Batteries was first put forth we were told what the function and purpose was to be for the Battery. I know I heard it. I am sure that the man explaining it was clear enough. I worry that I between then and now I allowed my own desires to taint that information. I think that I will need to ask for the concept to be restated so that I can be sure I/we are on track.
I know that in my third commentary I stated that the purpose was to grow Christian friendships. I know that I also want to have some ‘best’ friends that I can confide in without reservation. I know that I want my ‘best’ friend(s) to be Christian who is/are unafraid to try to help me find way back to the narrow way. I am fearful that my wants may be getting in the way of the purpose of the Battery. I don’t feel comfortable sharing intimate details of my life with some of the men now in this Battery. In retrospection, it seems to me that the only time really intimate conversation was shared was when we were a group of three.
I am afraid that I am putting my own selfish desire ahead of the design of the Battery. I still believe that, as Christians, I am commanded to understand that we are all part of one body. I still believe that as part of Christ’s body we all have a role to fulfill. I still believe that I am no better, or no less important, than any other part of Christ’s body.
I am still confused, I still do not understand. I need to ask for the guidance of the man who first proposed this concept of Batteries to me. I really, really need to pray fervently for God’s guidance. I would ask also for your prayers that I may do what is right in God’s eyes.
Rom 12:4-16 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 And since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, {let each exercise them accordingly} if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (NAS)
2 comments:
I think the batteries were intended to be a vehicle whereby men could develop a relationship, brother-to-brother, that was deep enough to share the things we all keep close to our chest. It follows that the smaller a group is, the easier it is to foster that environment of closeness and attain the degree of trust needed to let our masks slip a bit and share those things with which we struggle, our fears, our weaknesses, our sins.
As the group grows larger, the tendency is going to be to keep the conversation superficial and not let it drift into things too deep. In my opinion, a group of more than three men is going to have avery hard time reaching the level of comfort needed to share as deeply as the battery is intended to share.
Without that level of trust and sharing, it is nothing more than another opportunity to fellowship wihtout ever really dealing with anything . . . keeping everything 'safe' and neutral.
But, this is just my very biased opinion.
I think you're right. Both experience and most research I've seen would pretty much bear that out, Matt.
You run into the same thing with home Bible studies. More than 10-12 & more intimate, back & forth discussion gives over to either a more traditional Q&A or a lecture style "class", which tends to cause 2/3 or more of the people to clam up.
It's true, sometimes less is more.
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