I believe it was German Field Marshal Helmuth von Moltke the Elder who accurately noted that “no plan survives first contact with the enemy” or something like that. Applying that observation to the present situation in our congregations, it means that abstractions and pious ideas won’t survive the daily slog of doing ministry.
Jesus didn’t deal with abstractions or pious ideas. Sure, He applied good theology, of course. But He applied the Word and Gifts of God to real people in real situations. The people with “good theology” and “pious ideas” where the ones that opposed Him. He dealt with people not as the “should be” but as they actual are.
Jesus met people “where they were at” not “where they should be.” Think that through, please, with the understanding that what our people need is the Word of God’s love and salvation applied to them. They do not need pious ideas and theological abstractions.
Every war seems to begin with naive sergeants and lieutenants who believe that they will quickly crush the enemy and be home in time for Christmas. It was true of George Washington’s army of 1776 who fought for seven years and the Union soldiers who marched off in the Spring of 1861 but didn’t come home until 1865. WWI and WWII, it was the same. The Korean conflict looked like it was going to be over quickly . . . until the Chinese poured across the border. But “no plan survives contact with the enemy.”
It is time for us to listen to those who have been doing ministry for years. They are the field officers and non commissioned officers who have seen how this truly works; those who have seen battle and the true cost of big ideas and grand battle plans. Decisions made and orders given will cost lives.
As we go into this conflict with death, we need to remember that the goal is not to make theological statements or follow abstract principles. Our goal, out here in the field, is to bring the grace and love of God to people who are casualties of circumstances beyond their individual control. Don’t tell them they shouldn’t be afraid. Tell them that Jesus knows them and loves them and has a plan for them. Don’t tell them that the church will be stronger for facing this adversity. Tell them that this is why we have been given a Savior. And don’t be concerned about the “public confession” of making a stand in the face of death. This is real. This is real suffering and real death. Give them God’s love in the midst of their suffering. The world will see whether we stand for principles and ideas or whether we love one another.
So what’s the loving thing to do? To ask our members to “have faith” and expose themselves to disease? Or is it to bring them the love of God wherever they are? Pastors: do what you can to save lives and serve individual souls. This is not the time to talk *about* the love of God. It is the time to show it.
Those who lead best in battle are the ones who realize that bullets are flying and decisions need to be made. The time to think, to contemplate, and to consider how things should be is past. It’s time to deal with matters how they are. Junior officers and NCO’s who like to second guess their commanders quickly become casualties. It’s time to trust those who have been in battle before.