I’ve been looking back on a lot of the posts I’ve written recently. In doing so, I’ve discovered a bit of spatter; I am critical. For the most part, I want to believe I point out shortcomings I see because I know the Church can, and should, do better. I have high expectations for the representation of God on earth, and while I know nothing can be perfect now, at the very least it would be nice to see people striving for something greater that status quo.

All that being said, I think I often get critical because ranting is easier than trying to write about good things. There is a lot that is broken, but good things are harder to come across. And even when we do, they are harder to describe, taking much more thought and planning. When you do describe them, how do you keep it interesting, free from schmaltz and containing enough content without being overpowering?

All of this is to say, if it seems I am ever too harsh, too often critical of the Church, help keep me accountable. If I am asking the same of everyone else, then I only hope that there are others willing to keep me in check when I get off course. To me, that is the sign of a true brother or sister in Christ. If we allow each other to continue in sin, or even to play with fire, we are not showing one another love.

Though it may not be easy or comfortable, correction is something we all need, and we have to step up every once in a while to offer it up to others. I want to do this for a living; helping leaders see the pain and hurt they’ve been unwilling to recognize themselves and move toward healing. I feel God has and continues to equip me for this task. However, I would be on a fool’s errand if I thought I could do it alone. I have my wife, who is never afraid to smack me upside the head when I’ve lost sight of the straight and narrow. I also have a board of great leaders and friends who I believe will use their individual expertise’s to assist in the process, even (or perhaps especially) when I’m not utilizing gifts, calling, or resources in a beneficial way. I picked them because they can and will speak into my life both with gentleness and forceful correction.

I hope all of you find these types of people one day, not those who allow you to waste what you have and fear to warn you when you eat down to the very pits of Hell. Instead, surround yourself with accountable friends, and never forget to the one pulling the reigns when the spirit moves you.

Pax,

Paul Hart Cochran