Heat Exhaustion and Sin

There is a balm in Gilead

To make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead

To heal the sin-sick soul.

(African-American Spiritual)

 

            While we were in Florida we were fortunate to be able to go out into Tampa Bay on some boats.  With my younger brother we were able to go fishing and catch some snapper, Carolyn caught a shark about two and a half feet long, and we were able to watch dolphins play in the wake of the boat as well as seeing them cruise around at sunset.  On Carolyn’s brother’s boat we ended up at a large sandbar in a backwater channel that has turned into a gathering spot for many.  We were out at the sandbar for several hours with a large portion of it being spent in the water on the sandbar.  Somehow, even though I thought I was drinking enough water, staying cool by being in the water, and not really exerting myself a case of heat exhaustion crept up on me.  Not a bad one, just one that made me feel really tired and not so good.  I caught it before it progressed too far, but it still knocked me for a loop.  I think part of what happened was I was distracted and did not catch the warning signs in time.

             So, what does my heat exhaustion have to do with the life of the church?  It is this; many people do not realize they are coming down with heat exhaustion, or something more serious, because it creeps up on them so gradually.  It is the same way with several aspects of our faith and church life.  Those decisions we make saying “no one will notice” or “I will only do it this one time” or “it won’t hurt to miss worship just a few times” become easier and easier and before we know it we are doing things we would not have thought about doing or missing church on a more regular basis.  Very few people involved in the life of a congregation just wake up and decide they are not going to church anymore.  It is the same way with committing sin, few decide to actively sin.  The habits, beliefs, and lifestyles we live are gradually replaced with those habits, beliefs and lifestyles that move us away from Jesus.  Often it is so subtle we do not even realize it until something happens.  We constantly need to be alert for the signs, big and little, we are being overcome.  Remember the little items may not seem as potent, but let them all come together and they can be a more potent force in your life than what might be considered by many to be a big distraction or sin.
            Thankfully we are told that if we move away from God, that if our souls are overcome, that God through our faith in Jesus as Savior will take us back.  We can and will be healed.  We are also told to be on the lookout for the Tempter and our actions that might draw us away from God.  Are you looking for the signs?

 Blessings,

Pastor Dave

Newspapers, Wimbledon, & Women-The Message We Send to Girls and Young Women with the Placing of Events in Newspapers

           While it may not be politically correct I will admit I prefer most men’s sporting events over women’s events.  Faster, more powerful, often more graceful, the men’s events catch and hold my attention quicker and longer.  Yes, I realize that there are many women who could mop the floor with me if I was to enter into a competition with them, but my preference is what it is. 

With that being said I am appalled with the double standard that some newspapers, for me notably the Minneapolis Star Tribune, have with some of the major sporting events.  The day after the Wimbledon’s Women’s Final the Star Tribune reported it on the inside of the Sports section.  I think it was page four or five.  This is regardless of the fact that Wimbledon is probably the premier tennis event in the world, both of the finalists were ranked outside the top ten, and other aspects that would, a person would think, warrant a front page placing.

I could understand the editors burying the story if they were consistent.  After all tennis is a second or third tier sport that does not have a huge following.  Minneapolis, St Paul, and the rest of Minnesota are football, baseball, and hockey bastions.  Driving around towns you see many more empty tennis courts than you do basketball courts.

However, the Star Tribune, and I imagine other papers, are not consistent.  The day after the men’s final at Wimbledon the Star Tribune has a huge picture of one of the finalists and an article that starts on the front page of the Sports section.  Granted, this was the first time in decades an Englishman had won the tournament, and there were some interesting stories about the two finalists, but I have to wonder what makes the men’s stories and final so much more important and interesting that it deserves the first page of the sports page while the women’s finalists and final deserve a spot and headlines that may not be seen because people do not have time to look past the headlines on the front page, or they just think it is just not important because of its location and lack of pictures.

I understand the newspaper business is often driven by ratings just as the television stations are driven by ratings.  I also understand that many people are not necessarily into women’s sports that much.  I will admit twenty years ago I probably would not be writing this, but twenty years ago I did not have a daughter.  Even though I prefer to watch and read about men’s sports, I realize the need to try for parity in reporting on sporting events. 

By showing such obvious partiality to the men’s events I wonder how girls and young women process this if they are paying attention.  What I believe is happening is that a message is being sent that women in sports do not deserve the same attention as the men.  Does this then get processed into ideas that women do not deserve the attention they should get in relationships, work, community activities? 

One last thought before I go.  Theologically we need to remember that men and women were created in the image of God.  One is not better than the other.  We may be different, but that does not mean one gender is better than the other.  Little items like where stories are placed in the sports section seem to elevate one above the other.  While the focus of this article is on inequality in sports we can see it going the other way notably in the way men are treated on sitcoms, but that is an article for another time.

In Response to Boston

Tragedy
Came today;
Wounds to souls;
Psyches hurt
All seems lost.
Don't despair
In the storm
There's still hope

(to the tune of Taps"

            Once again tragedy has struck deep into the American ego.  On a day to remember those who stood up to tyranny, where thousands were out pushing themselves harder than they had before, and where many more were encouraging and celebrating with those who had worked so hard to achieve their goals, a senseless act occurred.  Lashing out, and as of this writing we do not know why, a person or group has caused many to be wounded-body, mind, soul, and spirit.  Death, maiming, and fear have taken the place of joy, accomplishment, and hope.  The clarion call for justice and retribution has been sounded.

            There is no doubt the bombing that took place near the finish line of the Boston Marathon has injured America and Americans in many ways.  Most of us cannot fathom experiencing such terror, and when events like these occur our souls and spirits are wounded.  There is fear, the fear of what if:  what if it had been me?  What if it occurs at my child’s game?  What if it is my neighbor/can I trust my neighbor not to be a home grown terrorist?  What if…? 

            Along with the fear there is a loss.  Obviously for the ones who lost loved ones or were wounded there is the physical loss.  For them and the rest of us there is the loss of security; the loss trust; the loss of hope and peace.  While most people will recover quickly and not have lasting effects upon their psyche, others will forever be marred.  Like one who has suffered the loss of a loved one, they may regain 100% functionality, but they will always have a scar of some sort that may flare up from time to time.  Sometimes the flare-up will be caused by a known trigger, and other times it will be like a tsunami that comes and overwhelms you without any warning.

            It could be easy to get lost in despair, to let the grief overcome us, to let fear rule us.  For some the fear may be masked by a call for justice or retribution.  Others may call for more laws and regulations.  Understanding that not all calls for justice, laws or regulation is fear based, we do need to be careful we do not over react.  We also need to remember that this is not the first time an event like this has been perpetrated on our soil nor will it be the last.  We have survived every time.  It does not mean we have not been hurt, that we have not lashed out, or every decision was a righteous decision.  What we have done is to rise again and again, dusting the dirt off of us, bandaging our wounds, learning from our mistakes, and kept moving forward. 

            As we think about and pray for those of Boston, Newtown, and other horrific events let us also remember that people every day suffer from life altering, traumatic episodes.  Many of these do not make the news because they are seen as part of life.  The loss of a loved one to disease or accident, being laid off from a job, raped or assaulted, fire, a dissolution of a relationship, addiction, and hundreds more everyday events occur causing injury to body and soul across the land.  We need to remember to keep these people in our prayers as well for the wounds they suffer are every way the same as to those that invoke national sympathy for the victims and outrage at the perpetrators.  This is not to take anything away from those who suffered from the bombs’ effects, but rather a reminder that tragedy occurs on a daily basis, and that we have, much too often, have become inured to its insidiousness.  It takes something large to shake our cynicism, our shield we have up to protect us, and thus we miss the hurts of others, and maybe our own as well.

            I do not always have the answers especially to when things go so terribly wrong.  I wish I did.  As a pastor I wish I could give great answers to why bad things happen to good people.  I am not always successful because I do not know.  Many times my answer is that God has given us free will, and because of this gift people have the choice of doing righteous or unrighteous actions.  Our actions impact others.  I cannot answer why some people emerge unscathed and some are maimed or killed, or why God intervenes and gives miracles to some and not to others.

            What I can tell you is that God has said he will be with us to the end.  That a peace that allows us to function, to move forward, and to trust can be ours even in the midst of conflict and storm.  We may be battered, God does not say it will be easy, we may still have questions, even Job didn’t get every question answered the way he wanted, but we will not be left alone, and that while there is breath there is hope.

 

May you find hope and peace this day.

Pastor Dave

Conception, Growing, Middle Age, or Dying-Where Is Your Congregation on Life's Continuum?

Brothers & Sisters in Christ,

            Have you ever noticed there is a life cycle in a congregation?  There is the conception stage when people begin talking about it and take the first steps to organizing.  Then there is the birth stage when the congregation begins to meet and everything is new and exciting.  New things are tried all the time, and if something doesn’t work out just right or they stumble and fall they, babies and congregations, get up and try again.  As children and youth they begin reaching out with excitement and wonder as they look to bring people into their community.  They are often encouraged by others and are not afraid of much.  Congregations are often encouraged by their mothering church or annual conference.  As they get older they may try a new activity or idea, but they begin to become risk averse and begin asking “what’s in it for me.”  Around middle age they reach a plateau, but they are comfortable, and after a few more years decline becomes visible and eventually the congregation becomes invalid and dies.

            What many churches are discovering is that they have been at the plateau or decline stage for a long time, but have not known it because of either denial, some self- regeneration with large families, being busy keeping beloved programs (and sometimes not so beloved programs) going,  or a combination of the three.  The situation has gotten to the point where it has to be addressed, but it is hard to do so.  The work required to overcome the habits learned from when the church was younger and the resistance to new ideas and actions is hard.  Humans learn much from experience and what has worked on the past is what many congregations default to, but we are in a new day and age of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The old ways many times do not work or are not realistic.  An example of this is growing healthy churches by having large families.  Most families are no longer having 4-8 children who stay in the area and stay in their home church.  We have to find a new way. 

            Where are we on this continuum?  So what can we do with this knowledge?   Is it too late?  These tough questions lead to more questions and hard work.  To help start and continue the discussion here are some questions to think about?
1.  What is God’s vision for this congregation?  Am I willing to put aside my hopes and dreams and pick up God’s dream regardless of where it might lead?  Am I willing to let programs and activities die if the Lord leads us that way?

2.  Am I willing to support the forward motion of the congregation with my prayers, service, gifts, time, and your presence?  Even if I don’t like it or disagree with it?  Will I talk positive about what is going on at the congregation?

3.  Am I willing to do the work?

4.  What is the purpose of the church?  Is it for those inside or outside? 

5.  When you talk about the church do you talk about the events and activities at the church or do you talk about how God is working through those events?

 

May you have good discussions, peace, and blessings this month,

 

ET, Las Vegas, God, and the Ordinary

Recently while my family and I were on a continuing education/vacation trip I experienced two “ET: The Extraterrestrial” moments, one at the Grand Canyon and one at a buffet in Las Vegas.  For those who may not know the story or have forgotten the plot of this 1982 movie the Internet Movie Database (www.imdb.com) describes it like this, “A meek and alienated little boy finds a stranded extraterrestrial. He has to find the courage to defy the authorities to help the alien return to its home planet.”  The American Film Institute in 2007 voted it as the 24^th best film of all time.  When the movie first came out many people were captivated by it, said it was a tremendous movie, went around saying the line “E.T. phone home”, and recommended it to their friends.  By the time I saw it in August of 1982 the expectations I had for the movie were extremely high.  I came out of the movie disappointed.  “ET” is a very good movie, but I was expecting something more, what I am not sure, but the movie did not knock my socks off. 

            In a similar way my first view of the Grand Canyon just east of the visitor’s center did not impress me as much as I was expecting or had hoped it would.  I had heard so much about it that when I finally saw the Grand Canyon it underwhelmed me.  I am not saying it was not awesome or impressive, but it was not as awe inspiring as I thought it would be.  I even told Carolyn that I thought the Badlands in South Dakota were more inspiring/interesting.  As for the buffet in Las Vegas I had heard about how good the ones at the hotels were, and we tried one for lunch.  The buffet at Old Country Buffet has better food.  We all were highly disappointed.

            As I have reflected on these “ET” moments I have wondered how many people have experienced God and been underwhelmed because they are expecting something else?  How many times have people been in the presence of the Lord, receiving messages of hope, assurance, comfort, or something else but not really seeing or hearing because the gifts are God’s gifts and expectations and not the ones we have envisioned or expected?  How many times has faith waned because we are underwhelmed at the supposed absence of the wonders of God?  Do we cheat ourselves of experiencing a wonder God has for us because it does not live up to what we think an experience with the Lord should be?  Are we always expecting a mountaintop experience without realizing that wonderful things are in the valleys and plateaus? 

            I was awed later in my visit of the Grand Canyon when I went west of the visitor’s center.  It was still my first time at the canyon and still the same day as when I first saw the canyon.  I kept an open mind and hoped that what I envisioned would be made sight.  It was.  I was in awe of the Grand Canyon at some of the overlooks, and in awe of what God created through the power of nature.  I was also in awe at a rest area in western Colorado, at the YMCA Camp of the Rockies, and just driving through the country.  Some of the best times of the trip took place when we stopped at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD and at Seligman, AZ on Route 66.  Both of these places have attractions that can be called cheesy, and yet looking back I would be upset if we had not taken the time to do some attractions that many would say were not worth stopping to see.
            Where have you seen God in the ordinary?

           Blessings,

Pastor Dave

Relections on General Conference #1

                      The General Conference of the United Methodist Church recently finished its quadrennial meeting.  What was supposed to be a meeting in which major structure change was to take place and processes to make the ministry of the United Methodist Church more nimble turned into disappointment for some as not much was accomplished, and in the eyes of many pastors trust and covenant was broken.  As I have thought about what has happened the last few weeks in Tampa, FL, I have come to some conclusions.  This article is mine and mine alone, and some of ideas discussed in it are probably not what the “leadership” of the denomination wants to hear.  In this post I will talk about a few of the major issues and my take on it.  They are written in the order I think of them not in the importance I place on them.  I will break this up into several different blog posts for ease of reading.  Let me say I am also not opposed to change if it is needed and it is implemented fairly.  The Call to Action and the follow-up done on the report is not necessarily a just or fair document for a large segment of the United Methodist Church.

  1.  The response to the Call to Action Report-The Call to Action was a report issued last year by one of the groups commissioned by either the General Conference or the Council of Bishops.  Prepared by an outside agency that looked at many statistics the conclusions reached were most of the congregations of the United Methodist Church in the United States were ineffective in accomplishing the mission of the United Methodist Church, there were trust issues at all levels of the church, a lot of ineffective ministers, and the organization was a 1950s style in a 21^st century world.  There were other items, but I believe the biggest ones were the ones listed in the previous sentence.  The report, as I said in an earlier blog post, seemed to me to be outcomes looking for a report.  All these items had been talked about for quite some time and now there was a way to make it look snappy while trumpeting the doom of the UMC if these changes were not made.  The response to the Call to Action was, for the most part, backlash.
            A team had worked on a restructuring plan that eliminated, merged, and cut the size of the general boards and agencies.  The overall oversight for the denomination would be delegated to a small board of 15 people.  The number of people involved in overseeing the other boards and agencies would be cut down as well.  The shrinkage and elimination of boards, agencies, and directors as well as consolidating the power into such a small group raised many issues.  Some of the issues raised were a) how would inclusiveness of gender, ethnicity/race, and theological differences be ensured; b) how would the current work be affected; c) was all of the work and issues that had been raised when the commissions/boards slated for elimination had been authorized?  If not who would continue the work/would the work get the same attention?  And, while it probably shouldn’t have there was probably some fiefdom/turf protection going on as well.

            There were two plans put forth to the General Conference, one backed by the leadership the other by the Methodist Federation for Social Action.  A third plan(Plan B), while not submitted officially, also was factoring into what would get passed.  In the process of being vetted and either being recommended or not recommended by a legislative group of the General Conference, it became obvious there was a lot of dissent even among the delegates.  Because of the divisiveness of the proposals there was not recommendation from the committee of either plan, and for a while it looked as if there would be no vote on any plan because of the rules saying it had to come from a legislative committee to amke it to the General Conference's floor for discussion and vote.  Through a lot of finagling and finesse, and representatives from all three plans working together, a plan was put together, presented, amended, voted on, approved, and then struck down by the Judicial Council as not being in accord with the denomination’s constitution.  Some people are quite happy there is no reorganization this quadrennium while others are very upset. 
            As I have thought about the restructuring I have come to the conclusion our organization is not the problem.  The United Methodist Church is a global organization of over eleven million people.  To effectively manage and deliver resources is going to require a fairly large organization.  Does that mean it cannot be tweaked, new boards created or old ones eliminated?  No, it doesn’t.  In fact they probably need to be tweaked.  In my opinion what probably needs to happen is the boards and agencies become more user friendly and have a bigger impact upon all the local congregations.  Resources need to be made available that are user friendly and more affordable.  The internet needs to be used more effectively.  The General Boards and Agencies should work more cooperatively.  My perception is our denomination’s organizational groups are much like the federal government’s security agencies before 9-11-2001.  There is not enough cooperation because everyone wants to protect their territory or they don’t like someone or something.  The boards and agencies should be held to uphold the standards and doctrine of the United Methodist Church and should not look for loopholes to get around the polity, discipline, or doctrine of the denomination.  Some of the boards and agencies, and their general and assistant secretaries seem to push ideas that are not always in line with the UMC’s stated positions.  The issues surrounding sexuality is probably the most notable example of this.

            I also have been wondering if the leadership of the denomination learned anything from the 2008 General Conference when a major restructuring proposal from the leadership came forward to be voted on, and because of the need for constitutional amendments, votes in the individual annual conferences.  While the restructure was approved by the GC, at the annual conference level it was rejected.  As I recall the most common reason for voting no was that no one knew how the restructuring would look or what exactly it would do.  Yes, there were some who wondered about their fiefdoms, inclusiveness, or something else, but people wanted to know how it would work and the effects it would have on people.  The standard answer was, to paraphrase from the best of my recollection, “We don’t know, just trust us that it will be for the best.”

            And that brings us to the next topic, trust in the United Methodist Church.

Here is the outline I used for "Cuts Like a Knife" the first in a series called "Demons of Destruction-Attitudes and Actions that Cause Harm to the Self, Others, and Organizations"  It deals with a critical spirit.  As with the entire sermon series this is just an introduction.  Just as a disclaimer with the outline I know what I am trying to say, but it may not seem to be clear to others.  I have tried to be understandable, but if I am not please forgive.

 

Sermon Outline

May 6, 2012

 Scripture Lessons:  Proverbs 15:1-15 (selected verses about the mouth); Ephesians 4:17-5:5 (Living a holy life, putting aside all sorts of evil practices.  Don’t use foul or abusive language); James 3:1-12 (the power of the tongue including the bad part of it); Colossians 3:1-17 (putting off the old self and putting on the new.  This includes anger, coarse language, etc).

 Sermon Topic:  Demon of Destruction-Critical Spirit/Attitude

Sermon Title:  Cuts Like a Knife

I.  Introduction and Background

    A.  Opening story on Bryan Adams’ “Cuts like a Knife”

    B.  Start of a new sermon series dealing with the Demons of Destruction-Attitudes and actions that can be destructive to the self and or systems.  Topics may include envy, pride, etc.
    C.  What We Are Talking about Today
         1.  What is a Critical Spirit
         2.  How is it expressed
         3.  How can we exorcise it from our lives
         4.  How can we overcome it when it is directed at us

II.  What is a Critical Spirit

     A.  Have you ever worked with someone or have someone in your family who is “perfect.”  They are quick to point out how good they are, and what you are lacking in.  Often it is in a condescending, sharp, or arrogant tone.  Other times they may point something out in a reasonable tone, but it is always what is wrong or what could be done better.  Other times they are pushy and bossy and “you better do it.”  Know I am not talking about doing follow-up on jobs per se, or holding someone accountable, but a way to make a person feel bad about themselves or a way to make the person belittling feel better about themselves at the expense of someone else, or both.
    B.  Biblical Times
         1.  We see in Proverbs 15 numerous sayings about the mouth
         2.  In Ephesians we see abusive language as well as coarse/vulgar language being seen as a bad thing
         3.  In James we see how the tongue should not be cursing the image of God and how much damage such a small thing can cause
         4.  In Colossians again we are told to put aside/take off the old=bad language, envy, slander, etc.
     C.  Our Time
          1.  Merriam Webster on line dictionary defines criticism as the act of expressing disapproval and of noting the problems or faults of a person or thing : the act of criticizing someone or something
          2. It seems as if many people will use “constructive” criticism and seem to be helpful when in reality they are trying to a) get their own way, b) make a person feel bad, c) combination
         3.  Once was told all criticism hurts, it is what you do with it that makes it constructive or not.
              a. Some criticism has no possibility of being constructive
         4.  Critical spirit is when it is common to find fault or disapproval on a regular basis and it is to make one feel better about oneself         or to tear down and/or destroy someone or something.
         5.  A critical spirit may be something one grows up with or it may be acquired through life experiences.  One may not realize one has a critical spirit if it is their personal normal.

III.  How is it expressed

      A.  Talk about how people communicate in many different ways-verbal, non-verbal, combination, written,
      B.  In Scripture
           1.  From what I have seen it is most often expressed verbally,
      C.  Our Time
           1.  Verbally is still probably the most common way
                a.  The favorite words of an individual or corporate entity-We cannot do it that way because we have never done I that way/we always do it this way-in its own way that is a cutting and critical remark essentially saying that the person’s idea is not even worth considering
                b.  Put downs/insults when things don’t go just right or just because-
                     I.  Words have immense power and calling someone stupid, making them feel little, etc  will cut like a knife and eventually mar a person
                     II.  Talk about kids being called stupid by parents and coming to believe it, comments made by parents that still effect people 80 plus years later
                c.  Tone can carry a lot if criticism
          2.  Non-verbally can be purposefully avoiding people, shaking the head, body language like finger pointing 
          3.  It can be talking with others-“The pastor’s kids should not be wearing tied dye clothes and getting their tongues pierced.  They have an image to keep up.”  Or “I cannot believe So and so was holding the glass in their right hand, everyone knows it is supposed to be held in their left and you pour water our the spout not putting the pitcher on its side.
          4.  Written
          5.  In tone:
               a.  Sharp, biting tones carry cut sharply.
               b.  A disappointing tone can add burden to a person’s ego/self

IV.  How can we exorcise it from our lives

       A.  Talk about how the old horror movies that deal with demons often would have an elaborate exorcism rite.  Sometimes the person would want it done other times it would have to be imposed on them.
       B.  Biblical Times
            1.  Colossians, James, and Ephesians all talk about setting aside or not participating in in letting the tongue run amok, slandering people, controlling the tongue.
            2.  The idea is to take out the old ugly spirit and replace it with a new, clean and pure spirit.
       C.  Our Time
            1.  While we are not talking about an actual demon today, we do need to exorcise a critical spirit from our lives as it impacts our relationships as well as other people’s lives and organizations.
            2.  First thing is we have to do is to see if we have a critical spirit
                 a.  Almost all of us have one at least time to time
                 b.  We HAVE to admit that it does occur
                 c.  It may have become the norm for individuals and for organizations to be critical/cutting/ insulting.
            3.  If we are catch ourselves making a cutting remark we need to stop ourselves from doing it.
            4.  If we realized we have made a cutting remark, or someone has told us that it was an uncalled for remark then we need to apologize.
                 a.  There will be times when what needs to be said is not comfortable or it may hurt, during those times we need to use grace.  There are times when it is not a negative use of the critical spirit.
                 b.  At the same time there are those who may say that everything that is said that is holding us accountable is negative and will not listen or their spirit says you are flat out wrong.
                     I.  We need to proceed carefully in those situations
             5.  We may need to look at our history and see what bad patterns we are continuing from our past and our families past
                  a.  Just as abuse is passed on to successive generations so can the critical spirit.
             6.  We need to pray, read Scripture, find someone who is able to help hold us accountable.
             7.  We also need to replace what we want to get rid of with something positive and Godly
                  a.  Remember what Colossians says, to take off the old and put on the new.

V.  How can we overcome it when it is directed at us

     A.  The old saying about sticks and stones is wrong-they both hurt and they both can cause long lasting harm.
     B.  Our Time
           1.  When it is directed at us look to see if there is any truth in it.
           2.  Understand that sometimes people do not know they are being hurtful or insulting as it has become their norm.
           3.  Hold the person accountable
                a.  Don’t let it slide, be willing to say something instead of rationalizing it away like “that is just so and so and he/she always talks that way.”
           4.  Talk to God
           5.  Seek professional help.

VI.  Conclusion

      A.  Rmember that just as a break up and leaving can cause somebody to feel like their heart has been cut with a knife.  The effects of a critical spirit can do the same thing to a person’s spirit and to an organization’s spirit.  We need to replace our hurtful spirit with peace, love.  It will take work, and it will take time.  Are you willing to replace the things of the devil with the things of God?