Building Beyond

Who trusts institutions? All of us have been formed (and deformed) by them. Institutions are not just inanimate structures that disappoint us. They are the collective efforts of people over time, often generations. Good ones stay rooted in the past and adapt for the future. A culture with strong institutions can do more creative work because its citizens don't sweat routine things. When disciples withdraw from institutions, we commission foolish and malevolent people to determine how we will live. A great way to love the world and our grandkids is to bend our institutions toward the ways of God's kingdom.

Climbers

There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. ⏤ Galatians 3:28

Climbers climb. It's in their nature. Like the vines that grow through my fence from next door. Like wisteria. Like kudzu. At first, we admire their vitality and their showy blooms. But eventually, climbers take over. They disrespect boundaries. They block out the light. They imprison, then constrict. Strangle. There's some climber in me that needs to be checked—old nature. In God's economy, status ladders are meant for elevating others.

Meet Your Maker

Prepare to meet your Maker. Why is this used as a death threat, rather than an invitation to life? I can prepare to meet my Maker every time I read Scripture, take Communion, or take in the Arts. I can prepare to meet him when I walk in the glory of his creation or when I talk with a friend. When I visit the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the foreigner. I can prepare to meet him when I pray. I can prepare to meet him every day!