TC's Mailbag: May 2010
29th April 2010 by Linda Bond
Songbook vs. Self Denial
When there is so much need in the world (as demonstrated by our recent Self Denial OWSOMS appeal), why is The Salvation Army putting resources into producing a new songbook? I have nothing against the songbook but I just want to know why this is important when people are hungry, thirsty and needing things that will meet their everyday needs? Do you think it is a good idea? Would love to hear your thoughts!
Good question and it sure isn't an easy one. I guess we struggle with this on every level don't we? I sure do when I buy clothes I don't need, spend more on books than I should and go over-the-top with groceries. Shouldn't that money have gone to Self Denial? So it's a fair question to ask any Salvo and certainly to ask it of the Army in general.
But I don't believe the songbook fits into this category of extravagance or just plain old self-indulgence. Could we do without it? Yes of course. But if it is seen as an investment, a gift to the International Army so that we can sing our theology with the old and the new songs, could it not contribute to growing the saints and getting us mission-focussed? Remember the New Testament story about the woman with the expensive perfume who poured it over Jesus' feet. A waste? Yes, the money could have been used for the poor, one disciple said. But Jesus saw it differently.
I think the songbook is a good idea if it brings glory to Jesus, people to him and Salvationists committed to mission.
How to fast
God has been speaking to me about fasting for the past year, however when seeking the Bible about fasting it doesn't exactly go into much detail. My question is how do you fast, and what is the best way to do it? Do you have wisdom you can share? I've talked to a few people and they have said to pray when you get hungry, but there has to be something more than just saying a prayer when the hunger comes. I also know fasting is a vital means to get your relationship with God to another level, as it mentions in Mark 9:29 that fasting and prayer together are important, however I struggle with it and wonder if I am getting anywhere with it.
Thanks for your honesty. I understand what you are saying. You see, I am no model when it comes to fasting. I do not fast on a regular basis but wish I did.
What I have found when I have fasted, is that if I go into it for a spiritual purpose and have a plan to the day for prayer and devotional reading, I am not consumed with hunger. BUT when I think of it as a great opportunity to lose weight, my stomach gets the better of me. Or if I think it somehow makes me superior spiritually because of the discipline, I fail.
Maybe what the both of us need to do is to use a step-by-step approach. Let's fast one meal a day each week and use it for prayer. Then let's go for two meals and then three and then stretch it beyond a day. How long it will take us to get there, I don't know. What is most important to me in my relationship with the Lord is consistent devotions, and then to live all day in obedience, trust and in an awareness of his presence.
Why soldiership?
One of our mission priorities talks about a significant increase of new soldiers. What do you think the role of soldiership is for The Salvation Army in Australia? If people commit to live the lifestyle of a soldier, is that enough? Or is it important that people actually 'sign on the dotted line'?
I think soldiership is crucial to The Salvation Army. You can't have an Army without soldiers, so we have to either enlist them or change our name. But I think the emphasis needs to be different. I wanted to be a senior soldier to play in the senior band. That's all it meant to me – membership.
But in truth, soldiership and officership is our response to the call of Jesus to radical discipleship. Soldiership is a covenant relationship with the Lord. It is a declaration that because you believe certain things you will behave in certain ways. It's a promise to do some real tough things, to live counter-culturally. Can you live the life without signing on the dotted line? No doubt! But why would you not sign if you make such a commitment? Salvation Army soldiership takes blood (sacrifice) and fire (passion)! It means stepping up and stepping out to count for Jesus. It requires discipline, energy, and self-sacrifice.
The Army in Australia must be a mobilised force if we are to be effective in mission. We need soldiers! We need youthful, passionate, progressive, Spirit-filled soldiers!
Got a question you want the TC to answer? Write to us today!
Commissioner Linda Bond oversees all of The Salvation Army's work throughout NSW, Qld and ACT as Territorial Commander for the Australia Eastern Territory.
Originally from Canada, she has been a Salvation Army officer for over 35 years and has served in Canada, the UK, the USA and at The Salvation Army's International Headquarters in London prior to being appointed to Australia in May 2008.
save. grow. serve.
save - noah rzeminski
Noah Rzeminski from Wollongong tells how his father was not happy with his decision to b... Read more
serve - nick horvatic
Nick Horvatic from Bundaberg shares his journey as a youth worker over the past few year... Read more
Got your own story to share? Write to us today!
Comments
What a wonderfully honest article this is. I want to say 'thankyou' to the TC for her willingness to be straightforward and genuine in her answers, which as a result, were great ones. Thanks 'MORE' for a great article.
I have noticed that there seems to be an incredible shortage of new soldiers in the corps of my division. Are people scared about the contents of the articles of war? Do they not like the uniform? Why are people just fine to sit in thier seats, looking at the soldiers in thier corps wishing they could be like them,when they can? I'm not a soldier myself yet, but I am going to be enroled soon. When I talk to the youth in my corps, there doesn't seem to be a motive for them to be enroled. I think it's a little strange, and I would like to know if anyone else feels the same way about this as I do