Explorer
Like any culture, God’s kingdom is vast, deep, and layered. As a relative newcomer (we’re all beginners), there’s so much to discover in its frontiers. Am I pressing in to learn—and to adapt? Am I growing up and branching out? And, do I resist the relentless tug of the ‘old kingdom’ that’s all around me? I know my tendency will be to prefer comfort, and the world’s patterns pull hard, but I also know these ‘weeds’ choke out life and freedom. (cf. Matt. 13:22)
To Make Him Known
For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To an unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. — Acts 17:23
Some know about God in rather legalistic ways. Others have a yearning for goodness, diginity, and justice, but don't know where to look. Paul's ministry is the same: "Let me introduce you to Someone you need to know, and know very well."
Corrosion
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” — 2 Corinthians 12:9a
If I am being corroded by the environment, I have three options:
Apply paint. Guard myself against the elements and live a shielded life.
Go inside. Withdraw and live a solitary life.
Be made of better stuff. Show up ready and be who I've been made to be, completed by God's grace.
- love
- Holy Spirit
- humility
- church
- politics & society
- mission & witness
- holiness
- parable & metaphor
- identity
- eternal life
- doubt & deconstruction
- leadership
- grace
- justice
- scripture
- spiritual life
- advent & christmas
- poverty & compassion
- imagination & creativity
- technology & ai
- knowing God
- human dignity
- faith & trust
- incarnation & cross
- kingdom of God
- community
- reconciliation
- spiritual formation
- epistemology
- prayer
- gratitude
- culture
- creation & nature
- discipleship