Why not rather be wronged?

I ran across this blog post a week or so ago, and it's been in my mind ever since then.

"Why not rather be wronged" (at Storied Theology)

The author (a WTS grad and now professor at Fuller Seminary) riffs on the verse "Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?" (1 Cor 6:7). He is mainly speaking about the way that Christians act toward each other when it comes to possessions, but I've been thinking about it in all sorts of situations when I feel my pride start to rear its head as someone wrongs me.

Also, there's a really great story someone posted in the comments about a church who willingly gave up their property when their denomination refused to let them keep it as the church left the denomination. Obviously, not every situation can be handled like this--and I think there are situations where because of the complications of modern life legal action is required--and I won't think negatively of you or your church, Dave, if you fight a legal battle to keep your land as your church withdraws from the denom, but it's refreshing to see such an obvious act of self-sacrifice from a church.

Any thoughts on how this might play out in your (all of you guys) church situations? Personally, after living with two youth pastors who are constantly on guard about getting sued and have been threatened with it several times by crazy congregants, this message seems like one that should be preached over and over again.

Lastly, something I just thought of as I was writing this. The most obvious exception to this that I can think of would be in a case of sexual misconduct towards a minor. I would say that that's a situation where no one should think "You know, if I want to be really Christ-like, I should just let this go and try to be self-sacrificial."

The Rules of Gentlemen

Hello everyone,

I haven't had the chance to draft my update post yet. The main news is that big change is around the corner for me as the wedding is swiftly approaching. March 20th is now but a month away. My mind has been full of thoughts about the future and what it means to step into this new role. I may be asking questions of the council...would that be called "council counsel"?

A guy I follow on Twitter posted this link today. I thought it was a good site to share:

www.therulesofagentleman.com

-ja

Prayer request

Dear men,
   
So friday of last week i woke up with what felt like a sore stomach. Like id been doing sit ups kind of sore. Thought it strange and headed out to a retreat that weekend. I got back Sunday taught confirmation class came home sat on the couch and fell to pieces. I've been running a 102 fever and this nagging in my stomach has grown.  Monday I went to this urgent care place which took some blood, gave me a bag of iv fluid and ruled out some things. Today i went back for more blood (sorry james) and have had to drink some of the most disgusting stuff on the planet and get a CT scan.  Long story short i've been diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. Laymen terms are that my pancreas is pissed at me to get back on speaking terms i need to not eat for a few days and see a specialist.  If that doesn't work then it's a cozy room at the medical university hospital for several days and some more iv fluid.

Please pray i'm going stir crazy and need a good night sleep. Lisa's been awesome and is taking that sickness and health things super serious. But we would value your prayers. Thanks.

Blessed to be a part of this crew.