Southside Oracle Archive

Vol. 49, No._ 41                        SOUTHSIDE ORACLE                        December 15, 2006

"I Made a Mistake"

A few years ago I listened on the radio to a forum discussion involving campaign directors of four candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. They were asked how they would deal with a potentially damaging piece of information that, if known, would harm their candidates. One responded that he would stonewall in the hope that the information wouldn't come out, but that if he did, he would have him say, "I made a mistake."

We have heard that sentence a lot as religious and political figures have been accused of having been involved in adultery, mishandling of funds, and plagiarism. When exposed they have all said, "I made a mistake."

There are different kinds of mistakes. Some are oversights like failing to mail a letter or missing an appointment. Some involve errors of judgment such as hiring an employee who doesn't work out. Still others relate to moral lapses in our personal lives. All of us have been guilty of all of these kinds.

When a candidate is caught doing wrong he hopes the mistake to which he admits will be thought of as an error of judgment rather than a moral lapse. Someone is sure to say, "Well, this is no big deal because we are all human and make mistakes."

In reality, though, the "mistakes" with which most public figures are charged are neither oversights nor errors of judgment. They are moral failures. There is another word that ought to be used here, but it has gone out of vogue. That word is SIN. We don't like to use it because it sounds a little harsh. Instead of calling a sin a "sin", we describe it as an indiscretion. That takes the sting out of it and puts it in the category of wearing the wrong clothes to a formal affair.

What do politicians really mean when they say they have made a mistake? They mean that they were dumb to get caught. It wasn't a mistake until the truth was made public and the candidate's chances of getting elected were diminished.

The Bible says, "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death" (2 Cor. 7:10). The one who only makes "a mistake" when he cheats on his wife likely does not repent because his language betrays his worldly sorrow that he got caught. The one willing to flatly say, "I have sinned" is more likely expressing a genuine sorrow for having done wrong. He will repent and with God's help will try not to sin again.            __Monroe Hawley

Search Committee

The elders have appointed a search committee for a new preacher to work with us to replace Bobby Valentine. The committee includes some who served four years ago when Bobby came here and some who are new. They are Troy Jensen, Mark Orlovsky, Monroe Hawley, Laurie Giombi, and Glynda Giemza. Suggestions for candidates should be made in written form and can be given to any member of the committee. All suggestions will be considered. The committee will meet soon to establish criteria in the search as well as the means of searching out potential candidates. It will have the responsibility of narrowing the field to several candidates to be presented to the elders and the congregation for consideration.

It is probable that the search will take some time to be certain that there is a broad enough group of potential candidates to insure that we have chosen one who best meets the needs of the congregation. Often preachers do not move to new locations in the middle of winter and some may be reluctant to move at this time because of family considerations. In the meantime we are blessed with several who are capable of presenting good lessons and we anticipate that our work will proceed normally during our search.

The Bulletin Board

Farewell Potluck - We will have a farewell potluck for Bobby and Pamela Valentine and their children after the second worship service this Sunday to express our appreciation for the family as they move to Tucson, AZ where Bobby will be preaching for the Palo Verde congregation while he is working on an advanced degree at the University of Arizona. Bobby has preached for Southside for the last four years. They will be leaving many friendships formed while they have been with us and we pray that God's blessings will be with them.

The Sick - Pearl Molla underwent heart catheterization last week at St. Luke's Hospital, but is now home and is much improved .... Roger Young is in St. Mary's Hospital in Racine with an intestinal blockage .... Elfriede Wandsnider is improved after her recent surgery.

ATTENDANCE RECORD

(*) first service, 127: second service, 94

There will be a sheepshead tournament in honor of Bobby Valentine Saturday beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the church building. Bring^-your favorite snack or soda to share. See Brad Stanger for details.

The monthly Christian Workers Meeting will be at Southside at 9:00 a.m. next Tuesday, December 16th.

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