Let Go of the Rope

"Let Go of the Rope"

By: Pastor Jack Schneider

“Warn troublemakers once or twice, then don’t have anything else to do with them.  You know that their minds are twisted, and their own sins show how guilty they are.”  [Titus 3:10,11, CEV]

                 Our 30-something surrogate daughter in Minnesota is a natural athlete…All-American track, basketball, you name it; even played great golf 7-months pregnant.  Recently she decided to take up water-skiing, and did so handily in one afternoon.  So that’s what it’s like to have coordination and balance!  Gag! 

On the other hand, I vividly recall when a former college friend [and gifted sportsman in his own right] made the same effort one summer day long ago and failed miserably not only to keep his balance but also to remember the First Rule in Water-Skiing.  You do know that rule, don’t you?  When you fall, “Let go of the rope.”  Ummm.  I never knew a man could drag that far and swallow that much water without actually drowning…  It was impressive, though; all we had to do was reel him in and pry his fingers off the bar.

Y’know, after 35 years of ministry, it appears to me associating with troublemakers and argumentative people is about as dangerous as not knowing what you’re doing when you water-ski.  I’ve seen way too many folks ruined in their weak faith by hanging on to bad relationships with sour people when the best thing they could have done was just “let go of the rope.”

Sure, that sounds harsh and unloving, but believe me, it’s not.  It’s love when you warn these sour-minded individuals and point them to Scripture, showing them God’s unconditional grace and peace.  It’s love when you remind them His plan is for joy, not division, and that their duty is to seek reconciliation and harmony.  And it’s love -- tough love -- when you tell them you will not put up with gossip or slander or malice.  In fact, to stay in that relationship, unchanging, jeopardizes your own spiritual health and makes it appear you approve of their unhealthy practice.  And BTW, rather than simply deciding which relationships to end, be sure to first remind and warn them.  After all, if these are friends, aren’t they worth the effort?  Indeed, there may be some ties you have to cut, but there may also be bonds you can forge in Christ. 

You see, for every person gifted with the balance and coordination it takes to ski, someone needs the vision and skill to drive the boat and keep the skier safe [but that’s another topic/article].  Together in Christ, there’s no letting go of the rope. 

- Pastor Jack