Hello friends~

I recently read an article, the title caught my eye, rather the spirit opened my eyes to it! I found the information rather intriguing and insightful, my hope is you too might find something useful for you.

I will include a link below for the article as well as list the twenty resolutions below.

Resolved: 20 Decisions for Surviving the Church with Your Faith Intact

Resolution #1: I will not confuse discernment and judgment. I refuse to devalue anyone based on my convictions or preferences.

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”—Philippians 1:9–10

Resolution #2: I will not shy away from being the dissenting voice to keep the peace. The majority opinion is not necessarily the right opinion, and I won’t be shamed into silence.

“We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”—2 Corinthians 10:5

Resolution #3: I will not meddle in the lives of others where there is no relationship and invitation.

“If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.” 1 Peter 4:15

Resolution #4: I will not focus on outward behavior over inward transformation — in myself or others.

“First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.”—Matthew 23:26

Resolution #5: I will not make conformity, theological or otherwise, a prerequisite for community.

“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” Romans 15:7

Resolution #6: I will not exalt any theological principle or duty above love.

“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.“—Galatians 5:6b

Resolution #7: I will not penalize others for being honest and transparent.

“Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” — Ephesians 4:25

Resolution #8: I will not conflate Christianity and nationalism.

“Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales . . .” — Isaiah 40:15

Resolution #9: I will not behave as if truth only exists in my denominational or interpretive cul-de-sac.

“For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.”—1 Corinthians 2:2

Resolution #10: I will not confuse forgiveness and trust.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”—Colossians 3:13

Resolution #11: I will not treat people as stereotypes.

“For he is our peace; in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us.”—Ephesians 2:14

Resolution #12: I will not shy away from difficult questions or apologize for my doubts.

“Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.”—Mark 9:24

Resolution #13 I will not cultivate a theology that ignores the experience of Christians around the world.

“We are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming.”—Ephesians 4:14

Resolution #14: I will not get embroiled in arguments that reduce complexities into simple black and white issues.

“’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord.”—Isaiah 55:8

Resolution #15: I will not serve or do good for recognition. Whenever possible, I will practice spiritual and benevolent behavior in secret.

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.“—Matthew 6:1

Resolution #16: I will not demand that Scripture conforms to the theological framework I’ve already embraced.

“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.“–John 8:32

Resolution #17: I will not succumb to a treadmill of perfectionism, or expect it from others.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.“—2 Corinthians 12:9

Resolution #18: I will not demand that the culture around me conforms to my ideals.

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?“—1 Corinthians 5:12

Resolution #19: I will not idealize the past or fear the future.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what I is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”—2 Corinthians 4:18

Resolution #20: I will not promote the idea that Christian community exists for the civilized and dignified.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth.” –1 Corinthians 1:26-30

~Peace~

References:

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/jaysondbradley/2018/06/surviving-church/