“Most of us have dozens of churches of every denomination from which to choose, all within a few miles of our home. If we don’t like what we hear, we go elsewhere.”
I think that at one time in my life I would have been okay with this. Different strokes for different folks. Libertarian choice.
Now I believe that that which is hard may be part of God’s plan. Marriage is dang difficult. Raising kids is insane. Not liking the parish priest can ruin one’s Sundays. But frustration can bring one to one’s knees in prayer—a desirable position for one who wants to grow in grace.
Yes, this is my point. We find a path too difficult, so we just change paths. We do it in school, in choice of studies, in marriage and family (as you say), and in what we are taught in church.
If it is too difficult, we don't look at ourselves and examine our thoughts and actions first. We look at the other, and decide they are wrong.
“Most of us have dozens of churches of every denomination from which to choose, all within a few miles of our home. If we don’t like what we hear, we go elsewhere.”
I think that at one time in my life I would have been okay with this. Different strokes for different folks. Libertarian choice.
Now I believe that that which is hard may be part of God’s plan. Marriage is dang difficult. Raising kids is insane. Not liking the parish priest can ruin one’s Sundays. But frustration can bring one to one’s knees in prayer—a desirable position for one who wants to grow in grace.
Yes, this is my point. We find a path too difficult, so we just change paths. We do it in school, in choice of studies, in marriage and family (as you say), and in what we are taught in church.
If it is too difficult, we don't look at ourselves and examine our thoughts and actions first. We look at the other, and decide they are wrong.