Pastor Sid's Journal

Fast and Alone or Far and Together

Off and on this week I've tuned in to the deliberations of the CRC Synod.* One of the delegates got up and when speaking used the phrase, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together." The phrase has stuck in my mind because I believe it to be profoundly true. In matters of the church it generally doesn't pay to make fast changes. This frustrates some people because they tend to be of the personality and persuasion that cutting edge is the most important quality to a church. But sometimes fast causes things to be overlooked or it doesn't recognize something of importance that comes out of the process. Recognizing the importance of the process is why I love the part of the saying that says "if you want to go far, go together." There is a strength, power and beauty that comes out of the push and pull of working together. It isn't always easier, but it's richer.

I thought about this with respect to the kingdom of God too. We often wonder why God doesn't just fix it all with the snap of his fingers? (At least I wonder this from time to time.) But if the kingdom of God isn't just about going fast, but going far, maybe we should thank the Lord that he's chosen to fix it all by including us in the process.

* The Synod of the CRC is the official governing body of the CRC. It is made up of representatives from around North America who gather together once a year to discern matters important for the direction of the denomination.