Across Church Street
Suited Up
Tearing down strongholds through love and rectification.
The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. — 2 Corinthians 10:4
This morning I ran in the rain. I was surprised and heartened to see so many others out in raincoats, facing the weather, walking their dogs. I think this is what Paul calls for in Ephesians 6. We suit up in clothing that disciples of Jesus wear, and face the world's strongholds: systems of hatred, bondage, and every kind of injustice.
Whataboutism
Emphasizing proximity and trust.
The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ⏤ Luke 18:11
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. ⏤ 1 Timothy 1:15
Will I be like the Pharisee who excuses himself? Who exchanges God's grace for his own? Or will I be like Paul, who owns his distance from the Father and trusts Jesus for reconciliation?
Elder to Elder
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. — 1 Peter 5:1-3
Elder isn't a title given to people who run things. Instead, it should be the natural outcome of life with God over many years.
- love
- Holy Spirit
- humility
- church
- poverty & mercy
- politics & society
- mission & witness
- holiness
- parable & metaphor
- identity
- eternal life
- doubt & deconstruction
- leadership
- grace
- justice
- scripture
- spiritual life
- advent & christmas
- 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
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.