Reflections 8/29/2020: I realize this is pretty simplistic… and relational pain, disappointments and even disillusionment cuts deep into our souls. So pat answers are often more hurtful than helpful. BUT, there is a slice of truth here that is worth an honest perusal. Throwing the baby (Jesus) out with the bath water (rejection of established religion) is an HUGE OVER-REACTION. And even sadder, a HUGE LOSS for our longing hearts! Relational (and organizational) discord can be addressed in their own right. But slapping our human conflict cooties on Jesus is a costly loss! Dig down deeper into our man-made turmoil and you will find the very lessons Jesus preached against. Pride. Ambition. Selfishness. Religious arrogance. Lack of love. Self-righteousness. Power grabs. Valuing tradition over truth. Forgetting God is our loving Father. The list goes on and on. (Read the Gospels for a full account). So throw out the dirty bath water if you need to, or cleanse it as best you can… but Heaven-forbid that you shove the Baby down the drain just because the water needs changing!