The Right Way...

The right way to requite evil, according to Jesus, is not to resist it. This saying of Christ removes the Church from the sphere of politics and law (from Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, p. 141).

Strangers in a Strange Land

For some reason [Christians] are so busy trying to change the world around us, that we forget our true position here on the earth. We are foreigners here. The Church is likened to an embassy in a strange land, and we are but ambassadors for Christ on foreign soil. If we would consider the role of an embassy does not dictate new laws and standards to its host country. The embassy remains independent and stays out of the affairs of the country in which it is situated and continues there only as a mere guest. The embassy is positioned there for the sake of its own citizens and for those who want to emigrate.

It is a similar situation for the Church. We belong to another kingdom, a kingdom not of this world. We are to pattern ourselves after the King of kings who, when he walked this earth, showed very little interest in the kings of this world. Even King Herod could not ruffle Jesus’ purpose. Only when this political leader tried to stop His ministry did Jesus reply, “”To tell that fox….”

…The only way we are going to see our nations change is to preach the Gospel to them, one individual at a time. Even then we may end up with the same result as Jesus. A handful of disciples followed Him while the majority of Israel did not (Ted Brooks).

Maybe It's Not All That Complicated...

Kingdom Living Guidelines (maybe it's not all that complicated):

Glorify Jesus Christ and spread the Good News by loving others in practical and tangible ways- showing compassion, caring, patience, and sacrifice for all, including "enemies"- especially enemies.

Seeking to earnestly understand and obey all the teachings of Jesus and follow his example, even when it hurts- especially when it hurts.

Old and New

The NT makes it clear that those who are in Christ are new creations and the old is gone. But of course it is a process, and it doesn't happen in the blink of an eye. But for years I have felt frustrated by what I see as I look around the larger "church"- doesn't look like too many "new creations" there- actually, it looks like exactly the opposite. So many who seem to hold onto the old.

Fears, insecurites, neuroses, striving, manipulation, cliques, you-name-it: they're all still there (and in spades). Why is it that way? Where are all the new creatures?

After thinking and praying about it this week, I came to the same conclusion that I have come to in the past, just maybe a little stronger: I am no different.

Sure, there is a lot that is new; but there is that which is old- very old, and still needs to be eradicated. How can I fault others for not being all new, when I am not all new? Good question.