There are mechanical systems and there are family systems. With mechanical systems we can accurately predict that A leads to B and the outcome is C.
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They operate according to a very logical consistency and are devoid of any real emotion or uncertainty.
If things go wrong we look at the operator, the hand that holds the tools, wear and tear issues that can be fixed or replaced not the hidden intentions of the machine.
With family systems, (that is a group where the components are human), we borrow the language of politics.
People have egos - sometimes quite big ones!, so when things go wrong we have feelings that are easily hurt, emotions that run riot over logic, friendships that get torn, trust that gets broken, relationships severed.
The news from Canberra has used words such as ‘brutal’, ‘unforgiving’, ‘backstabbing’, ‘factions’. I don’t think that this is the way any of us really want to live and work together, do we?
St Paul in his letter to the Christians in Philippi uses these words, ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others’.
Can you imagine how that would work in Canberra? Or even in our local communities and families?
Whatever your politics and however we got here, Scott Morrison is the new PM (I’m writing this on Tuesday, I hope this is not old news!!).
A lot has been made of his Christian faith in the media. Let’s hope, and indeed pray, that something of a genuine Christian character shines through in his leadership. Leaders look to serve others, not themselves.
Beautiful character, after all, always looks to the example of a beautiful Christ.
Read more in Philippians chapter two in your Bible or New Testament.