Every problem in the world

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)

Approaching Greatness

I journey His Greatness
to trembling’s door.

There
meet His Goodness greeting:

"Do not fear, my child.
Approach
my throne with confidence.”

My Father is fear extinguished;
Perfect Peace is my reward.

Summarizing the Life Gauges

Imagine we are simultaneously enrolled in five discipleship ‘colleges’. The ultimate objective of our education is fluency in the culture of God’s kingdom.

HUMILITY | WORSHIP GOD
God is great. God is good. God is near.
We grow in our knowledge of God and our humble dependence on him.
(Mark 12:29-30, Acts 24:14-16, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Corinthians 6:16, 1 John 5:21)

RESPONSIBILITY | ATTACH TO JESUS | CO-REQUISITE: HUMILITY
Good stewards of God’s grace*.
We grow in our readiness to receive and take hold of the God-given position, authority, responsibilities, and resources available to us only in Christ.
(Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 13:24, John 10:27, John 15, Romans 11:16-22, 2 Corinthians 9:8-11, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, Ephesians 2:8-10, 1 Timothy 1:3-4, 1 Peter 4:10)

ACCLIMATION | LIVE FROM GOD’S KINGDOM | CO-REQUISITE: RESPONSIBILITY
People like us do things like this.
We grow into our God-given identity and we adapt to God’s ways.
(John 15:19, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 4:4-7, Galatians 5:16-26, Colossians 1:13-14)

IMITATION | LOVE THE WORLD | CO-REQUISITE: ACCLIMATION
We so love the world that we give.
We grow in our expression of self-denying, others-oriented love.
(Matthew 5:43-45, Matthew 22:37-40, John 3:16, 1 Corinthians 13)

MISSION | PERSUADE OTHERS | CO-REQUISITE: IMITATION
Our story for God’s glory.
We grow in our discipleship influence on people and on every sphere of culture.
(Matthew 5:13-14, Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 18:4, Acts 19:8, 2 Corinthians 5:11, 2 Corinthians 5:20)

ALL BY THE HOLY SPIRIT
Not by might, nor by our power.
We participate in God’s government by his power and appointment.
(Romans 8:13-14, 1 Corinthians 2:13, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Galatians 3:3, Galatians 5:16-25, Ephesians 2:22, Ephesians 3:5, Philippians 3:3)

*The word 'grace' used here to mean: the unmerited God-given desire, ability, and resources to participate in God's economy (purpose, plan, activity) as His beloved.