its both

Over the last six weeks, i've been thinking of several things i read or listened to, from my old church in Oregon to other blogs or postings. My first reaction to most of what i heard was emotional...all were on issues I care passionately about - Kingdom living and social justice. The first two things I heard were from Danny, the pastor at my old church talking about reformation of our inward being to live for the Kingdom - the second was from this blog i occasionally read called Accidental Traveler about the author's struggles with her behavioral patterns that did not meet the standards of Kingdom living. The second was a blog posting on Relevant Magazine - and I cannot find the link but I will post it when I do find it again.

Basically, the arguments put forth is that what is inside of us is what counts - free from sin, impurity of the heart and mind, demonstrating grace, showing God's redemption. I get how these are important for Yeshua himself said it is "out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mt. 12:34). It is vital that we, as children of God, allow him and his word, which has been written in our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33b), to change us within. We need to be above reproach, be holy in our mannerisms.

But thinking higher thoughts also means thinking beyond ourselves. Over and over I hear in Church how we can improve ourselves - we must bring the "unsaved" to church so they can be saved, we must follow the ten commandments, and not be "worldly." Yet at these same churches, the Pastor gets up and asks the thousand before him for 3 million dollars in three weeks for some reason unknown to anybody sane. I mean, this place has a bloody parking garage, and police escorting traffic. Higher thoughts mean we do not fall victim to the system - seeking the treasures of this world, seeking to elevate ourselves while our brothers and sisters go hungry. Higher thoughts, kingdom living is just as much about bettering the world around us as it is about bettering ourselves. Both are important - only one though, is a true fruit that Yeshua talked about earlier in Matthew 12. This is why social justice matters and should matter to more who profess to be part of the kingdom of God.

I recall reading a comment somewhere that the government is not supposed to take care of the poor and needy because that is the church's job. Well church, where are you? I know some open their doors to the homeless in the evenings, run soup kitchens, but where are the churches banging on the doors of government and asking it to do something about those who are the losers in globalization? Now in my past employments, I've been fortunate to meet individuals to who touch my heart with their passion for justice - resulting in the creation of the Trafficking in Persons and International Religious Freedom offices within the United States government. I wish churches displayed more of that passion rather than advancing book sales of Hagee and the likes.

"the kingdom is within you. It will either expand you or break you."

beyond oneself

I went on vacation recently, to my home, which I love and miss. Immediately upon landing in my second home, I was blasted by rudeness and pain in the ass delays: pilot circling Baltimore for 20 minutes with no cabin update, 30 minute wait for luggage, shuttle bus driver immediately rude when I ask him to wait for my husband who was juggling three bags, elevator in parking garage broken, healthy organic supermarket with the scantiest bulk foods aisle ever. I mean, WTF over, especially on the last one. How far will i have to travel to buy some blasted split peas.
I also came home to a whirl of news. Israel bombarding Gaza, Hamas bombarding Israel. Flashes of 2006 rhetoric over and over again. Bombs going off in Pakistan, Russia cutting Ukraine's natural gas supply, Sri Lankan army overtaking Tamil Tiger stronghold and sister-in-law's cancer worst than thought.

WOW. overwhelming.

There is so much out there - life is so much than ourselves, and our perceived problems (like lots o' books and not so many bookshelves, disheveled closet, wondering if I made the right career choice, etc). As a follower of God, we need to stop everything and pray for our world, his Kingdom. Doing Kingdom work isn't just about the nine-to-five or the volunteer work. Its caring about the things the Maker of the Universe cares about.

His people, all created in his image. Whether they be Jews, Arabs, Muslims, Palestinians, Ukrainians who may freeze without more gas, and others suffering right now, living in fear, living without peace.

The Psalmist tells us to "Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem." (Ps. 122:6). Yeshua tells us to pray for those who persecute us (Mt 5:43). Saul (Paul) however you may feel about his writings, encourages the Philippians to "not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Ph. 2: 6).

We all know things may not turn out the way we want them to. and its scary. But being a servant in God's Kingdom demands that we think beyond ourselves, and the bubble we created for ourselves, and start caring for those all around us, throughout the four corners of the earth. Its part of Kingdom living.