Rules and Purpose

When an Institution Drifts

Personal reflection · Mark 11:15–19

Write as much or as little as you wish. Every field is optional, and you may stop at any point.

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Observe

His response is forceful. Mark records that Jesus drives out the buyers and sellers, overturns the tables of the money changers, and knocks over the seats of those selling pigeons. He also stops people from carrying goods through the Temple courts.

He then explains his actions by quoting Scripture, contrasting the Temple's God-given purpose with its current reality: “My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations,” but “you have made it a den of robbers” (Mark 11:17).

The chief priests and scribes hear of his actions and, according to Mark, begin looking for a way to destroy him. His disruptive correction provokes a hostile response from the institution's leadership.

What stands out to you about Jesus’ response in this situation?

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Reflect

Respond to any of these questions — or none.

In the organizations I serve, where has activity, tradition, or habit begun to substitute for the actual mission?Am I avoiding a necessary correction because I am more concerned with maintaining harmony than with fulfilling our purpose?Is my desire for change rooted in the organization's true purpose, or more in my personal preferences for how things should operate?Before I act, can I clearly articulate not just what is wrong, but what specific purpose has been compromised?

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Examine

What assumptions, motives, fears, expectations, habits, or pressures may be influencing how you see this situation?

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Pray

Ask for the wisdom to distinguish between organizational activity and true mission, and for the courage to address the difference.

Ask the Holy Spirit for clarity about what you may be overlooking.
Bring the people affected by this decision into prayer.

What do you want to bring into prayer?

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Discernment pause

A brief pause to slow the decision down.

What do I know to be true?
What am I assuming?
Who is affected?
What may be influencing me?
What would alignment require?
What deserves prayer before action?

What needs further discernment?

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Apply

Carry it forward

Where has activity, tradition, or institutional habit begun to substitute for mission in an organization you help lead?

One step to considerIs there one conversation, action, pause, question, or responsibility you may need to consider next?

Kept on this device as you type.