And/Or
In life, we face checkboxes — select all that apply, and radio buttons — choose only one. The Christian life is like this, too. Some things can be true at the same time: we have been given dominion over God's creation, and we are part of God's creation. We simultaneously exercise loving authority and submit to Loving Authority. Other things are exclusive: moment-by-moment, we are either of the world's system or of God's kingdom. We toggle between two citizenships: Old or New.
Deconstruction
To me, deconstruction suggests a careful dismantling — setting aside and preserving everything that can be reused. It looks toward restoration, rebuilding on a better foundation with integrity and strength.
Destruction, on the other hand, leaves only a heap of rubble.
Our God is a restorer. He gathers remnants and rebuilds. The Enemy, though, comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.
A Barometer
You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you. — Isaiah 26:3
Barometers measure pressure. The pressure seems elevated around me. Too often, it rises within me. God has a message: perfect peace is available in pressure-packed surroundings. Our good Father wants to keep us secure. Our great Father can keep us secure. He needs us to focus our attention and trust him.
- 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
The God of the Bible looks like Jesus, the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. It would be just like him to go to the cross.