Tuesday Challenge

Tribes

Each of us is part of a tribe (family) and our tribes mix together as we get married, join church and even friendships. This means you are part of more than just one tribe. Each tribe has their own special characteristics.  Each tribe has their own set of expectations.   Every tribe has its problems, big and small.   Every tribe and tribe member has gifts and talents to share with the tribe and outside the tribe.

I believe that God has given us these tribes to help us in many ways.  They are our safety net that we can fall back on when times are tough.   Whether good or bad, they are the ones who build our foundations when we are young.  As we get older they help us refine our skills and life goals.   Hopefully, they give us the tools we need to be successful on our Spiritual Journey.   I've never been a huge fan of the Duck Dynasty show but what I am a huge fan of is how they live as a tribe.   They work together, play together and eat together.   But most importantly pray and go to church together.
Their expectations are set high for each other and they hold each other accountable.

Being a part of a tribe isn't easy.  However, it is rewarding.   Confrontations have to happen for the tribe to grow and to stay in unity.  No one really like to have to confront someone with something that might be painful to both but we need to put aside fear and thoughts of failure to be the iron sharpening iron.   One of the hardest things I do is to have to correct a child when they are doing something they think is right.   We work through the embarrassment and the pain to come out with an outcome much better than allowing them to continue.   Same with your family tribe.   There will be conflict, not everyone will agree with what is happening and when.  Some will have different opinions one what is best to have for dinner or how a situation should be handles.   And that is okay. We sometimes have to agree to disagree on something.  But always support even if you don't agree.   A child's college choice may not be what you wanted or them dropping out of a sport.  But we must support them and help them through their decisions.  Guiding and correcting in love and support without criticizing them.

As we look at our tribes and the expectations we have for the members in it.   We then have to think are they realistic expectations?  Are they trying to meet those expectations or are intentionally ignoring them?   Have the expectations been explained in a way that the tribe members can understand?   Have they been reminded of those expectations or is it assumed that they know?

I see my ministry as a tribe.   I see all the children, youth and young adults in the ministry as tribe members.   Their are expectations that they have for me and me for them.   We sometimes make mistakes and mess up.   Our expectations are sometimes to high for each other.   At times we get frustrated with each other when we forget to explain the expectations clearly.   And their are moments when we celebrate with each other because everyone was on the same page.   But at the end of the day I remind myself and them that we are all part of one tribe - the Body of Christ.   He is the head of this tribe and He will guide us and give us expectations.   He will help us as we grow and learn.  

As we go through the next week how are you going to hold your tribe accountable?