I've just finished reading Retired General John Gowans' autobiography, "There's a boy here..." - all in a day!I particularly enjoyed his personal reflection on the High Council and include a noteworthy excerpt here for your reflection.
"The High Council of The Salvation Army is unique. Comparisons with the papal election would be ridiculous. Our council is not seeking to elect an infallible leader, nor even hoping for one. Sixteen Generals have occupied the office and none of them has been perfect!
Members of the High Council might usefully pray that the Holy Spirit will help them select the person who will be his best possible collaborator; the one who will do the least harm and achieve the most good; the one who, when he or she cannot for some reason discern God's will, will do nothing to prevent it.
The trust which is laid upon the shoulders of a leader of The Salvation Army is a massive opportunity to do good, and a terrible treasure. Generals, and those who salute them, need to be reminded that they have this treasure in earthen vessels."
I'm earnestly echoing these words of General Gowans as I pray daily for members of the 17th High Council!
2 Corinthians 4:7
"If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us." (MSG)
