An Observation from an Outsider:
The UPCI has always been, is presently, and will continue to be, a fine organization. Like all human endeavors, it has had, continues to have, and will always have, its faults. From its inception in the 40's to this present day, the UPCI has stood for what it believs to be right. Its ministers have contended for the faith upon which the organization was founded. Through incredible hardships and adversity, the UPCI has weathered many storms and stands as a testament of what can be accomplished when ministers stand together in unity.
That being said... and I don't mean this in a critical way... its seems, however, the unity that is so cherished , the unity that many have labored diligently for is fleeting at best. The appearance of unity is there for all to see, but, underneath the surface, there seems to be unseen and unresolved cracks that are now coming to the surface. Again, this isn't to be critical. What was just said can be applied to every organization, religious and secular. Any time a diverse group of people are involved in an endeavor, there will be differences. There will be divisions. And, regrettably, there will be strife.
It is the duty of the minister, whether he be a local pastor, an evangelist, a district or national leader, to keep those cracks to a minimum. In fact, the duty to preserve unity is the duty of every child of God. Even we, who are not a part of the organization called the UPCI, needs to contribute what we can to the UPCI fellowship. Certainly we should do nothing to undermine the efforts of the leaders. Whu is this so? Because harm done to the UPCI, whether it comes from internal or external sources, hurts all of us. Think of it. If the UPCI were to fold, were to cease to exist, with it would go the literature... the music... the conferences.... Gone would be the support for missionaries and churches around the world.
1Cr 12:26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. If we are gleeful that the UPCI is enduring temporary hardships, if we work to undermine the efforts of those involved in preserving its unity, then that just shows just how unthankful we are for all the UPCI has contributed to the Apostolic Faith. The same can be said for the PAW or any other group. If the UPCI suffers loss, then we all suffer loss.
Now why would an "outsider" weigh in on a subject that is really none of his business? An outsiders perspective provides the opportunity to see things through new eyes. Its difficult sometimes to see the trees for the forest, when one is in the forest. Standing in the field, looking from a distance, one sees things in a different light. To be honest, I can't see what all the fuss is about. One resolution. One... and fellowship seems to be crumbling. But then again, it isn't about the resolution. Its about what the resolution stands for and what it may lead to. May lead to. I think Bro Bernard is right. We should walk in faith and not in fear. Trust the ministry to do what God leads them to do.
But fellowship isn't crumbling. Changing perhaps. Adapting. But like all the previous storms, the UPCI will ride this one out. And will be stronger because of it.
I'll leave this verse:
Jer 12:5 ¶ If thou hast run with the footmen, and they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and [if] in the land of peace, [wherein] thou trustedst, [they wearied thee], then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?
God's church can stand more opposition than we can imagine. From its inception at Pentecost, God's Church strived, then disappeared in virtual oblivion in the Dark Ages, and ultimately rebounded in the 20th Century stronger than ever. And, as a part of that Church, the UPCI will also rebound and triumph. If... and I say IF the UPCI can't run with the "footman" of Res. 4, how will it ever "contend with [the] horses of future persecution and hardship? The UPCI is stronger than that. We are stronger than that. The God we serve in stroinger than that!
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