Across Church Street
Every problem in the world
The banana peel of every relationship problem is dehumanization.
Dean Sherman has said that “Every problem in the world is a relationship problem”. This statement is probably hyperbolic, but it’s more impactful than saying something like: “93% of problems in the world are relationship problems”.
Here’s another statement that might be hyperbolic, but generally true: “The banana peel of every relationship problem is dehumanization”. Relational tensions and stresses are a normal part of human life. But tensions and stresses can quickly make a turn toward abuse. And we have been created in such a way that it’s difficult to abuse another person unless we first diminish them in our minds—make them just a little ‘less than’.
Whatever one believes about violence, it’s made bearable by labeling the Enemy—viewing them as animals rather than as people with hopes and dreams; people with parents, siblings, children, and friends; people with a generational past and a generational future.
Whatever one believes about abortion, its consequences seem less agonizing when a baby is referred to as a ‘blob of tissue’.
The crimes of gossip, rejection, bullying, slander, fraud, trafficking, and rape are easier to commit when we first believe “those people are just ____________”.
The same can be said about how we treat immigrants, refugees, people of other ethnicities and races, the poor, the ‘lost’, former spouses and friends, physically or mentally disabled, the elderly, generational groups, political groups, prisoners, and so on.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility consider one another better than yourselves.” (Phil. 2:3) Jesus himself said, “Love your neighbor as yourself”. (Matt. 22:39)
The Way of Jesus re-humanizes all people. When the Church follows him, we bring good to the world and show God’s glory. Relationships are hard but the weapons of Kingdom warfare are mighty. (2 Cor. 10:3-5)
A Thousand Little Things
The way of Kingdom influence is by a thousand little things. A multitude of intentional drips foster real change.
This summer our church has been emphasizing ‘A Thousand Little Things’. It’s been a chance to dwell on the many ways Christians can engage the world, offering Kingdom life drip-by-drip. A series of nine videos was used to illustrate. Scripts from those videos can be found here.
Ask my brother
Jesus’ brothers give unique insight into Jesus and their earthly family.
There are lots of people who have known me in different contexts. But my brother has a unique perspective on our growing-up years. We shared a bedroom and a lot of life.
So I find it interesting how practical and plain speaking Jesus’ brothers are. They speak to the Church—followers of their brother.
One (James) says “Faith without works is dead faith”. The other (Jude) says “grace gives no license for sin”. James requires fruit of the Spirit. Jude prohibits works of the flesh.
Apparently, the Jesus his brothers knew connected belief with actual down-to-earth behavior.
- love
- friendship
- beauty
- thankful
- attunement
- communion
- discipline
- video
- hope
- hania rani
- holiness
- serving
- seth godin
- dean sherman
- across
- covenant
- music
- eternal life
- justice
- embodiment
- wonder
- gracious
- hesed
- welcome
- poetry
- rest
- image
- brokenness
- disruption
- invitation
- companion mode
- resonance
- steadfast
- observer mode
- framework
- pastoral
- oneness
- caritas
- difference
- shalom
- john stott
- worship
- status
- care
I practice the spiritual discipline of rescuing earthworms on paved surfaces. It's a reminder to me that I can pause what I'm doing, get a little dirty, and help. Also, that I've been given the responsibility to care.