We have entered a critical juncture in our history where the word of the Lord will appear to many people of faith to be out of step with their current understanding of reality, and even their understanding of the mission of the Church. Prophetic insight has never been popular, especially when people are afraid hoping to simply get through a tough stretch of cultural water without rocking the boat.
We use a phrase that will help unpack what is taking place. That phrase is “carrying someone’s water.” The phrase is a sports metaphor used to describe a water boy who is tasked with catering to the comfort of the players. That is an honorable and needed task when it comes to sports. It is now used in a pejorative manner to describe someone giving support to a person, organization, or a cultural cause that they would not normally approve of, but due to pressure to belong or be accepted, they yield their integrity and carry a message they do not agree with.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we have been called to carry the word of the Lord, not the opinions of others or the issued statements of a group if those opinions or statements don’t sit right in our spiritual gut.
Amen! Be strong and courageous
A co-worker and I were talking about this very thing today at one of the hospitals. A dedicated medical professional who has given her life to help patients and families but who no longer anticipates remaining because of dictates that conflict with her values. Also talked about how societal pressure has caused rejection of certain aspects of the agency mission-they are slowly giving up their unique identity.