Read a good article…

And I thought I would share it with you.  All the King’s Women + All the King’s Men

It seems as life continues on, there are 3 main themes that are found in almost every situation.  Now I know this is a generalization but it is repeating enough for me to notice it.  

1.  Me – I have a role in everything that happens to me and around me.  That doesn’t mean I have control of what is happening but I do have a role.  My perspective of church, family, money, etc can either be positive or negative.  It can be either bettering or bringing down.  I am responsible for my actions and my attitude regardless of the situation (way easier saying than doing, I know).

2.  Others – People have value attached to them.  This has to be true otherwise I myself have no value as well.  Therefore, if people have value, they are worth saving, helping and caring for.  I imagine this is done through small practical tasks of carrying groceries, saying hello or giving someone a piece of your time.  I think it is done through other venues as well but I don’t feel I am very good in this area.  Might come down to point #1 and selfishness.  To live without community is to allow your weakness to be unchallenged and your strengths to atrophy.  

3.  God – He is found everywhere.  It all leads to him one way or another.  He is the one that put the value on us and the rest of his creation.  He is the reason I question and believe.  He is the one that makes me aware of my weaknesses and strengths.  He is the one I must trust that this journey is his leading.  Nathan wrote in his article:

Some people are victims of their past. Christians are victims of the future.  We are trapped by it.  We know and feel what this world will be when Christ returns and, as much as we are able, we act as if that reality is now.  

If your view of the coming Kingdom includes personal vocation, management, leadership, and being part of various teams to accomplish amazing things and if it includes the idea you will continue to acquire knowledge which will help you relate to people and perform tasks better, then it behooves you to practice the best you can now and learn and lead in a “heavenly” way.  When you possess the “Kingdom” touch – everything you touch turns to Kingdom because as Richard Rohr puts it “everything belongs.”

I like how he puts it.  It ties points 1&2 together doesn’t it?  

So, I am realizing that these three points exist everywhere.  Not just in church where I once thought that it all comes together.  But I think that is the origin of my frustration and sadness.  It probably should be the place that it all comes together.  For now, we live with the expectations but accept the reality.