ronald mcdonald may be forced into retirement

Yes. You read the title to this post correctly. This is the big news that I heard this am on the radio... gotta love radio commentators in the am. Ronald McDonald has been investigated by some silly group of people and is being blamed for the obesity problem with children in America. This group (who ever they may be, and I am glad I don't have their job!!) has asked that McD's retire their Ronald McDonald figure from their advertizing. Supposedly his big feet and red nose draw children to eat junk food. Hmmmm. NO. The parents are to blame. Well duh.

We all like to judge others and place blame where it doesn't belong. I find myself struggling with this now-a-days. I am just gonna be completely honest. It's my blog so I can do that. :) I think that partnership development shouldn't be this difficult. I think that the Bible is clear that we (who do have God's Word in our heart language) are responsible to give it to those we don't. Why would Jesus say go into all the world and make disciples of ALL nations if he didn't mean it? So, I have been greatly tempted to frequently place blame on the American church for making my life so difficult. The task seems clear to me. I mean there it is in black and white, right?

So, what do the two things have in common you say? I am placing blame on a situation that God is in control of. God could supernaturally direct deposit 100% of my support quota into my Wycliffe account every month. I know He could. He can do whatever He wants... but that isn't His idea for the church. His purpose is that we all work together.  John 17:20-21 Jesus is praying for all believers:

"I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you."

Christ intends that we all work together. That we are unified as one body of believers... THIS is my version of what the church should be. Not the building. Not the organization. Not limited in any way by our own faults, but unified - working together to reach and change the world with Christ's Message. His Love Letter. His Word. The Bible.

So this morning I thank God for using a comical conversation about placing blame to bring a renewed awareness of what partnership development is. I thank Him for pointing out to me that I have been trying to place blame when instead the situation is to be used for His glory. Partnership development is what it is... an opportunity for Christ to be glorified and the American church to be engaged in what He is doing throughout the world. What a pleasure to be a brief part of such a mighty work.

Now maybe we should have burgers for dinner...