The Myth of a Christian Religion Part 11

Revolt against the Powers! A great place to start sensitizing yourself to this consumerist treadmill is by viewing a short video called The Story of Stuff The Story of Stuff (available at (available at storyofstuff.com storyofstuff.com). Notice how many advertis.e.m.e.nts bombard you each day. Get in the habit of letting them serve as reminders to get all all your Life from Christ. Commit to simplifying your life and carving out time for meaningful relationships (as well as ministry and relaxation and other necessary things our consumer culture steals from us). Watch less television and spend the extra time with family, friends, and those G.o.d calls you to minister with and to. your Life from Christ. Commit to simplifying your life and carving out time for meaningful relationships (as well as ministry and relaxation and other necessary things our consumer culture steals from us). Watch less television and spend the extra time with family, friends, and those G.o.d calls you to minister with and to.

Enter into community. If you're not in a committed small group, join one. If your church doesn't have a small-group ministry, use whatever influence you have to start one. In the meantime, I encourage you not to wait for your church to get its act together but prayerfully seek out other Jesus followers with whom you can forge Kingdom relationships, engage in Kingdom worship, and carry out Kingdom ministry. You might start by simply inviting other Christians over to discuss books that teach on the importance of small groups (or " house churches" ) and that give advice on how to go about growing them. (For suggested readings, see If you're not in a committed small group, join one. If your church doesn't have a small-group ministry, use whatever influence you have to start one. In the meantime, I encourage you not to wait for your church to get its act together but prayerfully seek out other Jesus followers with whom you can forge Kingdom relationships, engage in Kingdom worship, and carry out Kingdom ministry. You might start by simply inviting other Christians over to discuss books that teach on the importance of small groups (or " house churches" ) and that give advice on how to go about growing them. (For suggested readings, see www.gregboyd.org www.gregboyd.org.) If you already belong to a committed small group, consider ways you can bring more of the Kingdom into your fellowship. Talk about ways you can build more trust with one another so you can give each other permission to speak into each other's lives. Discuss ways you can minister together, worship together, and share more of life with one another. Read up on and discuss how you can transition from being merely a group of friends to a New Testament church church. (For suggested readings, see www.gregboyd.org www.gregboyd.org.)

CHAPTER 7: THE REVOLT AGAINST NATIONALISM.

Return to the Source. We cannot hope to revolt against the idol of nationalism as long as any element of our ident.i.ty, worth, significance, or security is rooted in our national allegiance. We can pledge our total allegiance to Christ alone only if we're getting all our Life from him. So I encourage you to return regularly to the one true source of Life. In special times of prayer, vividly imagine Jesus lavishing his love on you. Envision him telling you he has reconciled you to G.o.d, made you a citizen of heaven, and commissioned you to be his coworker and amba.s.sador of the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17 20; Philippians 3:20). Throughout the day, remain aware of G.o.d's loving presence, reminding yourself of these truths and giving praise to G.o.d that all you really need and long for is found in Christ. Together with your community of Jesus-followers, make time to worship G.o.d and engage in spiritual disciplines as you help one another experience G.o.d's Life more profoundly and get increasingly free from nationalism and all other forms of idolatry. We cannot hope to revolt against the idol of nationalism as long as any element of our ident.i.ty, worth, significance, or security is rooted in our national allegiance. We can pledge our total allegiance to Christ alone only if we're getting all our Life from him. So I encourage you to return regularly to the one true source of Life. In special times of prayer, vividly imagine Jesus lavishing his love on you. Envision him telling you he has reconciled you to G.o.d, made you a citizen of heaven, and commissioned you to be his coworker and amba.s.sador of the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 3:9; 2 Corinthians 5:17 20; Philippians 3:20). Throughout the day, remain aware of G.o.d's loving presence, reminding yourself of these truths and giving praise to G.o.d that all you really need and long for is found in Christ. Together with your community of Jesus-followers, make time to worship G.o.d and engage in spiritual disciplines as you help one another experience G.o.d's Life more profoundly and get increasingly free from nationalism and all other forms of idolatry.

What does your nationality mean? Alone and with friends, reflect on what it means for you to be American, German, British, or whatever nationality you identify with. There's nothing wrong with feeling good about your nationality, but ask yourself honestly if any element of your ident.i.ty, worth, significance, and security is rooted in this nationalistic ident.i.ty. Alone and with friends, reflect on what it means for you to be American, German, British, or whatever nationality you identify with. There's nothing wrong with feeling good about your nationality, but ask yourself honestly if any element of your ident.i.ty, worth, significance, and security is rooted in this nationalistic ident.i.ty.

To help do this, write out a list of values you embrace because of your nationality. For most Americans, that would include the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With the help of your community, honestly a.s.sess how you would be impacted if any of these values were threatened? Would your sense of worth, significance, ident.i.ty, or security be fundamentally altered? If so, this is an indication that you are not yet getting all your Life form Christ. Commit to seeking first the Kingdom of G.o.d and getting all your Life from Christ alone.

a.s.sess your life. Reflect on and discuss the extent to which the Church in your nation reflects the values of your nation-in contrast to the values of the Kingdom. Is the church known for how it resists the ideologies and values of the nation or for the way it embraces and defends them? Apply these questions to your own church, small group, and life. Reflect on and discuss the extent to which the Church in your nation reflects the values of your nation-in contrast to the values of the Kingdom. Is the church known for how it resists the ideologies and values of the nation or for the way it embraces and defends them? Apply these questions to your own church, small group, and life.

If aspects of your life, small group, or church reflect idolatrous nationalism, ask G.o.d and discuss with friends what can be done to get free from their bondage and to become singularly devoted to the Kingdom revolution.

Pledge allegiance? Discuss with friends whether it is appropriate for Kingdom people to pledge allegiance to their country and its flag? If you partic.i.p.ate in this nationalistic ritual, what does it mean to you and how does it relate to your pledge of allegiance to Christ and the Kingdom he came to establish? Discuss with friends whether it is appropriate for Kingdom people to pledge allegiance to their country and its flag? If you partic.i.p.ate in this nationalistic ritual, what does it mean to you and how does it relate to your pledge of allegiance to Christ and the Kingdom he came to establish?

Become a transnational Christian. As citizens of the Kingdom of G.o.d and amba.s.sadors of Jesus Christ, it is crucial that we resist the pull of the Powers that want us to adopt a myopic, tribal, nationalistic outlook. We must never allow our love and concern for others to be conditioned by what nation and culture they happened to be born into. While our fallen hearts and minds tend to care about "our nation" and "our people" more than others, the Kingdom heart and mind must love and care As citizens of the Kingdom of G.o.d and amba.s.sadors of Jesus Christ, it is crucial that we resist the pull of the Powers that want us to adopt a myopic, tribal, nationalistic outlook. We must never allow our love and concern for others to be conditioned by what nation and culture they happened to be born into. While our fallen hearts and minds tend to care about "our nation" and "our people" more than others, the Kingdom heart and mind must love and care indiscriminately, indiscriminately, as Jesus commanded (Matthew 5:43 48). But given the oppression of the Powers, this takes discipline. Here are a few suggestions to help your outlook to remain global: as Jesus commanded (Matthew 5:43 48). But given the oppression of the Powers, this takes discipline. Here are a few suggestions to help your outlook to remain global: Be intentional about stretching your tastes and preferences by regularly eating food and experiencing entertainment from other countries. Go out of your way to cultivate relationships with people whose nationality is different from your own. Learn their culture, customs, and beliefs. Be intentional about stretching your tastes and preferences by regularly eating food and experiencing entertainment from other countries. Go out of your way to cultivate relationships with people whose nationality is different from your own. Learn their culture, customs, and beliefs. Pay attention to major events around the world and join with others in regularly praying for people adversely affected by them. As you do so, ask G.o.d to help you empathize with these people. Try to imagine, as vividly as you can, what they might be going through. Be open to G.o.d leading you and your Kingdom community to sacrificing some of your own resources to a.s.sist those who are suffering. Pay attention to major events around the world and join with others in regularly praying for people adversely affected by them. As you do so, ask G.o.d to help you empathize with these people. Try to imagine, as vividly as you can, what they might be going through. Be open to G.o.d leading you and your Kingdom community to sacrificing some of your own resources to a.s.sist those who are suffering. Along with the community of disciples you share life with, pray about adopting a country or region to pray for and perhaps minister to. Learn about the history, culture, beliefs, and customs of this nation or region. Pray about the possibility of supporting indigenous ministries in this area. Consider going to this area on a short-term mission trip. Along with the community of disciples you share life with, pray about adopting a country or region to pray for and perhaps minister to. Learn about the history, culture, beliefs, and customs of this nation or region. Pray about the possibility of supporting indigenous ministries in this area. Consider going to this area on a short-term mission trip. Consider opening your home to foreign-exchange students. Consider opening your home to foreign-exchange students. This one is especially challenging for many Americans, but I encourage American Kingdom people to make an earnest attempt to understand why various groups around the world do not appreciate-if not disdain-America. I'm not suggesting Kingdom people need to agree with these anti-American views. But the very attempt to understand the views of "an enemy" helps us rise above a simplistic "good versus evil" dichotomy that nationalism tends to afflict people with. An interesting (and highly controversial) book to begin one's study is Ziauddin Sardar and Marryl Davies, Why Do People Hate America? Why Do People Hate America? (Cambridge, UK: Icon Books, 2003). (Cambridge, UK: Icon Books, 2003).

CHAPTER 8: THE REVOLT AGAINST VIOLENCE.

Return to the Source. Getting free from violence in thought, word, and deed is impossible as long as we try to acquire Life from any source other than Christ. Paul teaches us that life in the "sinful nature" is inevitably characterized by hostile att.i.tudes and behavior (envy, hatred, fits of rage, discord, and factions; see Galatians 5:20 21). Such a "sinful nature" is an inevitable outworking of idolatry, for to the extent that we cling to anything other than G.o.d as our source of ident.i.ty, worth, significance, and security, we are sucked into the conflict-filled idolatrous feeding frenzy of the oppressed world (see chapter 3). Our idols are perpetually threatened, and we cannot help feeling hostile toward anything or anyone that threatens our source of Life. Getting free from violence in thought, word, and deed is impossible as long as we try to acquire Life from any source other than Christ. Paul teaches us that life in the "sinful nature" is inevitably characterized by hostile att.i.tudes and behavior (envy, hatred, fits of rage, discord, and factions; see Galatians 5:20 21). Such a "sinful nature" is an inevitable outworking of idolatry, for to the extent that we cling to anything other than G.o.d as our source of ident.i.ty, worth, significance, and security, we are sucked into the conflict-filled idolatrous feeding frenzy of the oppressed world (see chapter 3). Our idols are perpetually threatened, and we cannot help feeling hostile toward anything or anyone that threatens our source of Life.

The key to getting free from our own tendency toward violence, therefore, is to die to the idolatrous way of living and commit to getting all our Life from the one true source of Life, Jesus Christ. Only when we can say with Paul, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me," can we be free of the impulse to defend our life and all we hold dear with violence (Galatians 2:20; cf. Romans 6:6). As we learn how to die to ourselves and yield to the Spirit of Christ within us, we become filled with the full measure of G.o.d's love (Ephesians 3:19) and begin to manifest "the fruit of the Spirit" instead of the "sinful nature." Our thoughts, words, and deeds become increasingly characterized by "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control" (Galatians 5:22).

I encourage you, therefore, to regularly spend time alone with Christ, experiencing him ascribing unsurpa.s.sable worth to you and setting you free from the need to cling to idols, including the idol of biological life itself. I encourage you to cultivate a Life-giving relationship with Christ throughout the day. Train your mind to remember that you have died to the world but are alive in Christ (Colossians 3:3). I frequently affirm the statement, "Life is Christ, nothing else really matters." (This is especially helpful in stressful situations.) Remind yourself throughout the day that you are always to abide in G.o.d's loving presence and that all your ident.i.ty, worth, significance, and security come from him alone. Everything you really really need is found in him. need is found in him.

Commit to nonviolence. Violence seems so natural in our fallen, oppressed state that few of us will make progress in getting free from it unless we make a covenant with G.o.d and others to purge it from our lives. I encourage you to ask G.o.d's forgiveness for any past violence in your life. Make a commitment to G.o.d and those you share life with to live a life free of violence. Encourage those in your Kingdom community to study this subject together (for suggested readings, see Violence seems so natural in our fallen, oppressed state that few of us will make progress in getting free from it unless we make a covenant with G.o.d and others to purge it from our lives. I encourage you to ask G.o.d's forgiveness for any past violence in your life. Make a commitment to G.o.d and those you share life with to live a life free of violence. Encourage those in your Kingdom community to study this subject together (for suggested readings, see www.gregboyd.org www.gregboyd.org) and to join you in making this commitment.

This commitment doesn't necessarily mean you will actually be able to refrain from violence in certain circ.u.mstances-for example, if a loved one were attacked. I myself hope hope I'd respond nonvio-lently, but I can't be certain. A commitment to nonviolence means you're pledging to walk in that I'd respond nonvio-lently, but I can't be certain. A commitment to nonviolence means you're pledging to walk in that direction direction, practicing peace day-by-day. The more we develop a Christlike character, the more likely we are to respond to a hostile enemy in a Christlike way if they were to attack us or a loved one.

Cleanse the heart. Our violent tendencies will never stop unless idol-rooted violence is purged from our hearts. Ask G.o.d and others in your small group to help you examine yourself to locate any hostility you harbor toward others. As mentioned in chapter 4, one of the best ways to flesh out non-Kingdom sentiments hidden within us is to practice agreeing with G.o.d about people's unsurpa.s.sable worth by blessing everyone you happen to come upon or think about. Be particularly intentional to bless people whose behavior you Our violent tendencies will never stop unless idol-rooted violence is purged from our hearts. Ask G.o.d and others in your small group to help you examine yourself to locate any hostility you harbor toward others. As mentioned in chapter 4, one of the best ways to flesh out non-Kingdom sentiments hidden within us is to practice agreeing with G.o.d about people's unsurpa.s.sable worth by blessing everyone you happen to come upon or think about. Be particularly intentional to bless people whose behavior you don't don't approve of. approve of.

As you bless them, be attentive to any thoughts and att.i.tudes that disagree disagree with your blessing-stance toward people. When you identify non-Kingdom thoughts and att.i.tudes, do not pa.s.s judgment on yourself. Simply turn from them (repent) and embrace thoughts and att.i.tudes that agree with the estimation G.o.d expressed toward these people on Calvary. Then ask G.o.d and your small group to help you discern with your blessing-stance toward people. When you identify non-Kingdom thoughts and att.i.tudes, do not pa.s.s judgment on yourself. Simply turn from them (repent) and embrace thoughts and att.i.tudes that agree with the estimation G.o.d expressed toward these people on Calvary. Then ask G.o.d and your small group to help you discern why why you harbor hostile thoughts and att.i.tudes. Behind every anti-Kingdom thought and att.i.tude (as well as action) lies a false source of Life. So ask G.o.d as well as your Kingdom community to help you locate the idol in your life that is producing this "work of the flesh." you harbor hostile thoughts and att.i.tudes. Behind every anti-Kingdom thought and att.i.tude (as well as action) lies a false source of Life. So ask G.o.d as well as your Kingdom community to help you locate the idol in your life that is producing this "work of the flesh."

Do good to enemies. Jesus and the New Testament teach that we are not only to refrain from violence toward enemies, we are to do Jesus and the New Testament teach that we are not only to refrain from violence toward enemies, we are to do good good to them. In light of this, prayerfully consider ways you and your community can do good to people you identify as "enemies." to them. In light of this, prayerfully consider ways you and your community can do good to people you identify as "enemies."

For national enemies like Osama Bin Laden, it's likely the only good you can do is to pray for them, something Jesus specifically commands (Luke 6:27 28). While millions are praying curses upon such enemies, I encourage you and your Kingdom community to pray Jesus' prayer of forgiveness for them (Luke 23:34). Pray for a change in their heart and that they might learn the joy of walking in peace rather than hatred or violence. Praying for a life transformation in someone like Bin Laden may seem naive, but we are called to live in love, and love perseveres in hope for everyone (1 Corinthians 13:7).

We must pray for our personal enemies as well-neighbors, coworkers, relatives-all who may have something against us. In these cases though, there are probably more concrete ways we can serve them. Consider ways in which you might be able to sacrifice of your time, energy, and resources to bless or help them. As you do so, look for opportunities for reconciliation. The ultimate victory of good over evil occurs when an enemy becomes a friend.

Become a peacemaker. Jesus calls his disciples to be "peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). One primary way to do this is by using the unique authority we have to affect the world through prayer to influence leaders in a peaceful direction. Prayer is also a main tool Kingdom people are to use to bring Kingdom peace into conflicted situations in all our personal relationships as well as in our communities. As Walter Wink argues, prayer confronts the Powers that fuel hostility and is therefore a form of "social action." Jesus calls his disciples to be "peacemakers" (Matthew 5:9). One primary way to do this is by using the unique authority we have to affect the world through prayer to influence leaders in a peaceful direction. Prayer is also a main tool Kingdom people are to use to bring Kingdom peace into conflicted situations in all our personal relationships as well as in our communities. As Walter Wink argues, prayer confronts the Powers that fuel hostility and is therefore a form of "social action." 3 3 Kingdom people are called to be peacemakers in every other possible way as well. Wherever there is hostility between people with whom we have some influence, we are to seek G.o.d's wisdom about how he might use us to bring about reconciliation (James 1:5; 3:13 17). In our personal relationships and in our communities, we are to be people who always look for ways to bring peace where there is hostility.

Along the same lines, we who live in democratic societies are allowed some influence in our government by voting and partic.i.p.ating in the political process in other ways. If you choose to partic.i.p.ate in this process, prayerfully reflect on how you can best influence leaders and support policies that will further the cause of peace. Of course, as we noted in chapter 2, we must always remember that governments remain under the strong influence of Satan. We must also always respect the inherent limitations and ambiguity of political "solutions" as well as their inherent "power over" methodology. In this light, we must never confuse our particular way of influencing politics with our distinct Kingdom call by labeling our political views "Christian."

What is is a distinct Kingdom approach to global conflict is to not only pray for peace in conflicted regions, but to actually a distinct Kingdom approach to global conflict is to not only pray for peace in conflicted regions, but to actually go go there to work for peace. Not everyone is called to this form of peacemaking, of course, but some are. A number of organizations train and equip groups of Kingdom people for the difficult and dangerous task of entering conflict situations to help warring factions sit down together and work toward peaceful resolutions. I encourage readers to be open to the possibility that G.o.d would lead them to join one of these groups, whether as a short-term or lifelong worker. there to work for peace. Not everyone is called to this form of peacemaking, of course, but some are. A number of organizations train and equip groups of Kingdom people for the difficult and dangerous task of entering conflict situations to help warring factions sit down together and work toward peaceful resolutions. I encourage readers to be open to the possibility that G.o.d would lead them to join one of these groups, whether as a short-term or lifelong worker.

One such organization is Christian Peacemaking Teams (cpt.org). Since 1984, CPT has sent peacemakers to conflicted areas such as Gaza, Haiti, Bosnia, Palestine, and Iraq. Their motto is to "get in the way" of the violence in order to bear witness to an alternative, nonviolent way of dealing with conflict. You may recall that in 2005 four CPT workers were taken hostage in Iraq, and one (Tom Fox) was murdered. This kind of work is certainly not for the fearful.

Other organizations that train people for similar peacemaking ministries are Witness for Peace (witnessforpeace.org), Peace Brigades (peacebrigades.org), and Nonviolent Peace Force (nonviolentpeace force.org, though this latter group is not specifically Christian).

There are currently several thousand courageous souls who partic.i.p.ate in these global peacemaking ministries. But one wonders what would happen if there were several hundred hundred thousand such workers? What would happen if there were as many soldiers laying down their lives to fight for peace on behalf of the Kingdom of G.o.d as there are soldiers fighting violently on behalf of their particular version of the kingdom of the world? While it would certainly cost many Kingdom people their lives, I believe it would cost far less lives than the violent approach has proven to cost throughout history. thousand such workers? What would happen if there were as many soldiers laying down their lives to fight for peace on behalf of the Kingdom of G.o.d as there are soldiers fighting violently on behalf of their particular version of the kingdom of the world? While it would certainly cost many Kingdom people their lives, I believe it would cost far less lives than the violent approach has proven to cost throughout history.

Even if the peacemaking approach to conflict were not demonstrably successful in any particular conflict, it would still bear witness to the reality of the Kingdom that is "not from this world." By revolting against the ugliness of violence, it would manifest the beauty of the Jesus-way of living. And this is the one goal that must define the very being of all followers of Jesus Christ.

CHAPTER 9: THE REVOLT AGAINST SOCIAL OPPRESSION.

Return to the Source. We We cla.s.s cla.s.s-ify people because we're socially conditioned to do so. And we're socially conditioned because, on some level, it's how those who benefit from these cla.s.s divisions try to find Life. We will find it impossible to revolt against the Powers behind cla.s.sism unless we are getting our worth, significance, and security from Christ alone.

As in all matters pertaining to the Kingdom, it is vital that we return to the one true source of Life. In special times of prayer and throughout the day drink deeply from the bottomless well of G.o.d's love for you. Together with other Kingdom people you share life with, spend time in worship and engage in the spiritual disciplines to help one another grow in your capacity to experience and be transformed by G.o.d's perfect, unwavering, unconditional love.

Process this chapter. Alone and with friends, prayerfully reflect on how this chapter impacted you. Did any of it make you feel hopeful and excited? Were there parts that surprised or offended you? Did this chapter challenge any a.s.sumptions you've had about social cla.s.ses and the call of the Kingdom to abolish them? Together with your small group, reflect on the extent to which your view of people is polluted by your social conditioning to cla.s.s-ify people. Alone and with friends, prayerfully reflect on how this chapter impacted you. Did any of it make you feel hopeful and excited? Were there parts that surprised or offended you? Did this chapter challenge any a.s.sumptions you've had about social cla.s.ses and the call of the Kingdom to abolish them? Together with your small group, reflect on the extent to which your view of people is polluted by your social conditioning to cla.s.s-ify people.

Live out the Jubilee Kingdom. Talk to G.o.d and your Kingdom community about how you can live free from cla.s.s judgment and manifest the cla.s.sless Jubilee Kingdom. Here are some suggestions: Talk to G.o.d and your Kingdom community about how you can live free from cla.s.s judgment and manifest the cla.s.sless Jubilee Kingdom. Here are some suggestions: Pray regularly for those oppressed by society's way of cla.s.sifying them. Pray regularly for those oppressed by society's way of cla.s.sifying them. Read and discuss with your small group books on the role cla.s.s plays in America and in the Church. (For suggested readings, see www.gregboyd.org.) www.gregboyd.org.) As you cultivate the practice of blessing others, pay special attention to those whom society tends to ignore-the average-looking woman trying to haul a suitcase up some stairs, for example. Following Jesus' example, when you see a need, act act on it. You'll discover opportunities to serve "the least of these" all around you. on it. You'll discover opportunities to serve "the least of these" all around you. Jesus said that when you host a feast, invite "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" (Luke 14:12 13). These were the beggars, misfits, and outcasts of first-century Jewish culture. Think about hosting a party and inviting people our society (and likely the church) tends to deem lower cla.s.s, misfits, and outcasts-people who may not have been invited to anyone's party for a long time. More broadly, discuss with your Kingdom community ways you can invite "outcasts" into your lives by developing meaningful relationships with them. Jesus said that when you host a feast, invite "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" (Luke 14:12 13). These were the beggars, misfits, and outcasts of first-century Jewish culture. Think about hosting a party and inviting people our society (and likely the church) tends to deem lower cla.s.s, misfits, and outcasts-people who may not have been invited to anyone's party for a long time. More broadly, discuss with your Kingdom community ways you can invite "outcasts" into your lives by developing meaningful relationships with them. If you live in a h.o.m.ogenous suburb, honestly reflect on why you do so and discuss this with your Kingdom community. Has G.o.d placed you there for Kingdom service? Or, perhaps influenced by a typical American mindset, do you live there simply because you prefer it and can afford it? If you suspect the latter, seek G.o.d's will for a clear Kingdom vision on where and how you're supposed to live. If you live in a h.o.m.ogenous suburb, honestly reflect on why you do so and discuss this with your Kingdom community. Has G.o.d placed you there for Kingdom service? Or, perhaps influenced by a typical American mindset, do you live there simply because you prefer it and can afford it? If you suspect the latter, seek G.o.d's will for a clear Kingdom vision on where and how you're supposed to live. If you are called to live in a h.o.m.ogenous suburb, consider ways you can alter your lifestyle to encounter and befriend people who are not "in your cla.s.s." Make adjustments in where you shop, go for coffee, get your car fixed, go for entertainment, and so on. Doing this will help you experience a life enriched by freedom from cla.s.s myopia. If you are called to live in a h.o.m.ogenous suburb, consider ways you can alter your lifestyle to encounter and befriend people who are not "in your cla.s.s." Make adjustments in where you shop, go for coffee, get your car fixed, go for entertainment, and so on. Doing this will help you experience a life enriched by freedom from cla.s.s myopia. Continually submit your time, money, and resources to the Lord as well as your small group to discern whether the amount you spend to support your lifestyle versus the amount you invest in the Kingdom is in accordance with his will. Continually submit your time, money, and resources to the Lord as well as your small group to discern whether the amount you spend to support your lifestyle versus the amount you invest in the Kingdom is in accordance with his will. Engage in ministries that cross cla.s.s lines. Together with friends, visit and befriend elderly people. Join a prison ministry. Partic.i.p.ate in inner-city youth ministries. Volunteer in soup kitchens or homeless shelters. Commit to volunteering at an inner-city church. Engage in ministries that cross cla.s.s lines. Together with friends, visit and befriend elderly people. Join a prison ministry. Partic.i.p.ate in inner-city youth ministries. Volunteer in soup kitchens or homeless shelters. Commit to volunteering at an inner-city church. If you are able to, go on regular short-term mission trips to serve impoverished neighborhoods or countries. If you are able to, go on regular short-term mission trips to serve impoverished neighborhoods or countries.

Help your church become a Jubilee Tribe. Talk to G.o.d and others about what your church can do to more faithfully and consistently revolt against the cla.s.sism of your culture and the Powers that fuel it. Here are some suggestions: Talk to G.o.d and others about what your church can do to more faithfully and consistently revolt against the cla.s.sism of your culture and the Powers that fuel it. Here are some suggestions: Once you've studied the role that cla.s.s plays in America and the Church, and have embarked on the journey of living free from cla.s.sism, offer to lead a book study or film-centered discussion on the issue. (A good film to launch a discussion with is Once you've studied the role that cla.s.s plays in America and the Church, and have embarked on the journey of living free from cla.s.sism, offer to lead a book study or film-centered discussion on the issue. (A good film to launch a discussion with is People Like Us. People Like Us. For suggested readings, see For suggested readings, see www.gregboyd.org.) www.gregboyd.org.) If your church is not currently embracing and utilizing people with disabilities, help start a ministry that both encourages and disciples people with disabilities and provides opportunities for them to use their gifts. For a.s.sistance and resources, see faithaliveresources.org, friendship.org, faithaliveresources.org, friendship.org, and and joniandfriends .org joniandfriends .org If your church is not currently engaged in a prison ministry, help start one or encourage the leadership to partner with other churches that already are. For help, check out Chuck Colson's Prison Fellowship at prisonfellowship.org. prisonfellowship.org. If you're in a suburban church, encourage your leadership to enter into mutually beneficial relationships with churches that represent a different socioeconomic level. If you're in a suburban church and already regularly volunteer at an inner-city church, offer to make this opportunity available to others in your congregation. If your church has no ministry to the elderly, start one. For help in ministering to people in nursing homes, check out If your church has no ministry to the elderly, start one. For help in ministering to people in nursing homes, check out faithfulfriends.org/manuel.html. faithfulfriends.org/manuel.html. If your church does not allow women to minister in certain areas where they may be gifted (such as preaching, teaching, or pastoring), encourage the leadership of your church to reopen this issue by carefully studying the matter. (See www. gregboyd.org.) www. gregboyd.org.) If the leadership of your church is dogmatically opposed to this, I encourage you to prayerfully consider with your small group whether in fact this is the larger church body G.o.d is calling you to align with. (Think about it. Would you align yourself with a church body that, say, continued to condone slavery as it was practiced in the first century or that forbade a person to exercise their spiritual gifts on the basis of their race?) If the leadership of your church is dogmatically opposed to this, I encourage you to prayerfully consider with your small group whether in fact this is the larger church body G.o.d is calling you to align with. (Think about it. Would you align yourself with a church body that, say, continued to condone slavery as it was practiced in the first century or that forbade a person to exercise their spiritual gifts on the basis of their race?)

CHAPTER 10: THE REVOLT AGAINST RACISM.

Return to the Source. Like everything else the Kingdom revolts against, racism is a form of idolatry. We cannot hope to revolt against it and manifest the "one new humanity" unless we are getting our Life from a source greater than our race. While it is healthy to feel good about our ethnicity and culture, as a Kingdom people, our ident.i.ty, worth, significance, and security must come only from what G.o.d thinks about us, as evidenced on Calvary. Like everything else the Kingdom revolts against, racism is a form of idolatry. We cannot hope to revolt against it and manifest the "one new humanity" unless we are getting our Life from a source greater than our race. While it is healthy to feel good about our ethnicity and culture, as a Kingdom people, our ident.i.ty, worth, significance, and security must come only from what G.o.d thinks about us, as evidenced on Calvary.

Set aside special times to allow the Spirit to bring you into a vivid, concrete, imaginative encounter with the living Lord. See him, hear him, and sense him lavishing his unsurpa.s.sable love, joy, and peace on you. Experience him telling you he's made you his own child and that his own joy is made complete in you (John 1:12; 15:11). Envision him delighting over you as he reminds you he's given you an eternal and infinitely rich inheritance and is conforming you to his likeness (Zephaniah 3:17; Ephesians 1:11, 18). Throughout each day remind yourself of these truths and give thanks that your ident.i.ty is found in Christ and nothing else. Have regular times of worshiping with the small group of disciples you share life with in which, together, you experience the abundant Life that flows from G.o.d.

Process this chapter. Reflect on and discuss with friends what impacted you most in this chapter. Were there sections that made you feel hopeful and excited? Were there sections that made you feel angry, guilty, offended, scared, confused, or hopeless? Did this chapter challenge a.s.sumptions you've had about race or about racial reconciliation? Reflect on and discuss with friends what impacted you most in this chapter. Were there sections that made you feel hopeful and excited? Were there sections that made you feel angry, guilty, offended, scared, confused, or hopeless? Did this chapter challenge a.s.sumptions you've had about race or about racial reconciliation?

Cultivate cross-cultural relationships. If you do not have meaningful relationships with people whose ethnicity is different from your own, talk to G.o.d and your friends about what you can do to begin to cultivate such relationships. Here are a few suggestions: If you do not have meaningful relationships with people whose ethnicity is different from your own, talk to G.o.d and your friends about what you can do to begin to cultivate such relationships. Here are a few suggestions: Go out of your way to cultivate friendships with people in your neighborhood who are ethnically different from yourself. Go out of your way to cultivate friendships with people in your neighborhood who are ethnically different from yourself. If you live in a h.o.m.ogenous neighborhood, go to more diverse neighborhoods to shop, get coffee, have your hair cut, get your car fixed, and so on. If you're white and live in a mostly white suburb, prayerfully reflect on whether you live there because it suits your personal preference or whether you believe G.o.d If you're white and live in a mostly white suburb, prayerfully reflect on whether you live there because it suits your personal preference or whether you believe G.o.d wants wants you to live there. (I'm not trying to hint that living in white suburbs is against G.o.d's will. I'm simply suggesting we all need to seek G.o.d's will on where and how we live.) you to live there. (I'm not trying to hint that living in white suburbs is against G.o.d's will. I'm simply suggesting we all need to seek G.o.d's will on where and how we live.) Revolt against racism. Prayerfully dialogue with those you fellowship with about what you can do together to revolt against racism and better manifest the "one new humanity" of the Kingdom. Here are some suggestions for you and your small group to consider: Prayerfully dialogue with those you fellowship with about what you can do together to revolt against racism and better manifest the "one new humanity" of the Kingdom. Here are some suggestions for you and your small group to consider: Pray for people who are oppressed by racism in America and around the globe. Pray for people who are oppressed by racism in America and around the globe. Educate yourself. Read up on the realities of ongoing racism. (For suggested readings, see www.gregboyd.org.) www.gregboyd.org.) Partic.i.p.ate in seminars and workshops on racial reconciliation. Partic.i.p.ate in seminars and workshops on racial reconciliation. Volunteer at a church whose ethnic and racial makeup is significantly different from your own. Volunteer at a church whose ethnic and racial makeup is significantly different from your own. If you're in a position to do so, consider serving as a foster parent for children whose ethnicity is different from your own. Volunteer and/or contribute to a ministry dedicated to racial justice, ethnic diversity, and reconciliation. Volunteer and/or contribute to a ministry dedicated to racial justice, ethnic diversity, and reconciliation. Learn about other cultures in your area. Go out of your way to learn about other cultures' distinct food, music, and arts by frequenting their restaurants, art shows, and concerts. Continually revolt against our fallen tribal tendency to live monoculturally. If you're in a position to do so, host foreign-exchange students in your home or invite some over for a holiday dinner. If you're in a position to do so, host foreign-exchange students in your home or invite some over for a holiday dinner. If you're white and choose to partic.i.p.ate in the political process, speak to people of other ethnicities about the concerns that weigh on their hearts and what they think should be done about them.

Help your church manifest the "one new humanity." Talk to G.o.d and others about what your church can do to better revolt against racism and manifest the "one new humanity" created in Christ. Here are some suggestions: Talk to G.o.d and others about what your church can do to better revolt against racism and manifest the "one new humanity" created in Christ. Here are some suggestions: If your church does not emphasize racial reconciliation the way it emphasizes other aspects of what Jesus lived and died for, encourage the leadership to begin studying the issue. If your church does not emphasize racial reconciliation the way it emphasizes other aspects of what Jesus lived and died for, encourage the leadership to begin studying the issue. Encourage the leadership to consider hiring a racial-reconciliation consultant. The congregation I pastor was greatly helped by the relationships we developed with the wonderful people at Salter McNeil and a.s.sociates Encourage the leadership to consider hiring a racial-reconciliation consultant. The congregation I pastor was greatly helped by the relationships we developed with the wonderful people at Salter McNeil and a.s.sociates ( saltermcneil.com). ( saltermcneil.com). Offer to lead a book study and discussion group on the topic of racial reconciliation at your church or offer to sponsor a racial-reconciliation film viewing and discussion group. (A great one to start with is The Color of Fear, The Color of Fear, put out by Stir Fry Productions.) put out by Stir Fry Productions.) Encourage the leadership of your church to prayerfully consider moving toward more ethnically diverse forms of worship. If there are people from different ethnic groups in the neighborhood of your church, encourage your leaders to take particular care to incorporate their cultural music into some of your worship. Encourage the leadership of your church to prayerfully consider moving toward more ethnically diverse forms of worship. If there are people from different ethnic groups in the neighborhood of your church, encourage your leaders to take particular care to incorporate their cultural music into some of your worship. If there are people from different ethnic groups in your church's neighborhood, ask them how your church could welcome and serve them. If there are some for whom English is a second language, encourage the leadership to consider making signs inside and outside your church bilingual. If the need is present in your community, consider helping your church develop an ESL (English as a Second Language) program. If there are people from different ethnic groups in your church's neighborhood, ask them how your church could welcome and serve them. If there are some for whom English is a second language, encourage the leadership to consider making signs inside and outside your church bilingual. If the need is present in your community, consider helping your church develop an ESL (English as a Second Language) program. Encourage the leadership of your church to enter into mutually beneficial relationships with churches whose ethnic makeup is different from your own. If you have been regularly volunteering at a church that is racially different from your own, offer to help make this opportunity available to others in the congregation. Encourage the leadership of your church to enter into mutually beneficial relationships with churches whose ethnic makeup is different from your own. If you have been regularly volunteering at a church that is racially different from your own, offer to help make this opportunity available to others in the congregation. Finally if the leadership of your congregation refuses to move forward on these issues, prayerfully consider the possibility that G.o.d would lead you to join a congregation that Finally if the leadership of your congregation refuses to move forward on these issues, prayerfully consider the possibility that G.o.d would lead you to join a congregation that is is pa.s.sionate about them. (Think about it. Would you attend a church that refused to preach that Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins? Jesus died to reconcile the races within his Kingdom community as well.) pa.s.sionate about them. (Think about it. Would you attend a church that refused to preach that Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sins? Jesus died to reconcile the races within his Kingdom community as well.)

CHAPTER 11: THE REVOLT AGAINST POVERTY AND GREED.

Return to the Source. We h.o.a.rd resources when we view them as a source of Life. We cannot manifest the beauty of G.o.d's outrageous generosity and revolt against greed as long as we're entrapped by this idolatry. So again, return to the true source of Life and get your worth, significance, and security from what G.o.d thinks about you, as evidenced by Calvary. Set aside times in which you bask in G.o.d's love for you. Imaginatively see, hear, and sense Jesus reminding you that you are filled with all the fullness of G.o.d (Ephesians 3:19) and that you have an infinitely rich inheritance awaiting you (Ephesians 1). Remind yourself of these truths throughout the day and enjoy the freedom from things that this experience and ongoing awareness of G.o.d's love gives you. We h.o.a.rd resources when we view them as a source of Life. We cannot manifest the beauty of G.o.d's outrageous generosity and revolt against greed as long as we're entrapped by this idolatry. So again, return to the true source of Life and get your worth, significance, and security from what G.o.d thinks about you, as evidenced by Calvary. Set aside times in which you bask in G.o.d's love for you. Imaginatively see, hear, and sense Jesus reminding you that you are filled with all the fullness of G.o.d (Ephesians 3:19) and that you have an infinitely rich inheritance awaiting you (Ephesians 1). Remind yourself of these truths throughout the day and enjoy the freedom from things that this experience and ongoing awareness of G.o.d's love gives you.

Process this chapter. Together with your small group reflect on how this chapter impacted you. Did it convict, surprise, encourage, or discourage you? Reflect on your life in light of what you've learned. Do you feel you are following G.o.d's will in how you steward his resources? Are you reflecting his heart for the poor in how you spend your time and money? In what ways have you been influenced by the consumer culture of greed and the Powers that fuel it? If you and your Kingdom community were not disciples of Jesus, how would you spend your time and money differently than you now do? Together with your small group reflect on how this chapter impacted you. Did it convict, surprise, encourage, or discourage you? Reflect on your life in light of what you've learned. Do you feel you are following G.o.d's will in how you steward his resources? Are you reflecting his heart for the poor in how you spend your time and money? In what ways have you been influenced by the consumer culture of greed and the Powers that fuel it? If you and your Kingdom community were not disciples of Jesus, how would you spend your time and money differently than you now do?

Live out the generous Kingdom. Talk to G.o.d and those you're in community with about what steps you can take to more perfectly manifest the beauty of G.o.d's generous Kingdom and his heart for the poor. Here are a few suggestions for you and your community of fellow disciples to consider: Talk to G.o.d and those you're in community with about what steps you can take to more perfectly manifest the beauty of G.o.d's generous Kingdom and his heart for the poor. Here are a few suggestions for you and your community of fellow disciples to consider: Pray for the poor, especially those geographically closest to you. As you do this, repeatedly surrender all your possessions and money over to G.o.d. Let G.o.d reign over everything in your life, including your wallet and your possessions.

Budget! A high percentage of Americans don't really know where their money goes. Remember that "your" money is really Budget! A high percentage of Americans don't really know where their money goes. Remember that "your" money is really G.o.d's G.o.d's money-and you're his steward! Tally how much you spend on yourself versus how much you use to further the Kingdom and help the poor. Then enter into a dialogue with your Kingdom community and seek their help in discerning if the way you spend time and money is in accordance with G.o.d's will. money-and you're his steward! Tally how much you spend on yourself versus how much you use to further the Kingdom and help the poor. Then enter into a dialogue with your Kingdom community and seek their help in discerning if the way you spend time and money is in accordance with G.o.d's will. If you live in a wealthy neighborhood, prayerful reflect on and discuss with others why you do so. Perhaps G.o.d has placed you there for Kingdom service, but perhaps you are living there simply because you like it and can afford it. That is normal for non-Kingdom people, but not for followers of Jesus. Seek G.o.d's will about where and how you're supposed to live. If you live in a wealthy neighborhood, prayerful reflect on and discuss with others why you do so. Perhaps G.o.d has placed you there for Kingdom service, but perhaps you are living there simply because you like it and can afford it. That is normal for non-Kingdom people, but not for followers of Jesus. Seek G.o.d's will about where and how you're supposed to live. Wherever G.o.d has called you to live, seek his wisdom about how you can live more frugally and simply. It's okay to enjoy nonessential things G.o.d has blessed you with, but when we acquire or cling to things on the basis of our own preferences, they inhibit our capacity to manifest the beauty of the outrageously generous Kingdom. Seek the wisdom of your Kingdom community as you honestly ask yourself whether you're supposed to be "enjoying" that boat, cottage, or extra car. Are you supposed to have all those shoes and clothes? Many people testify that they've discovered a much greater depth of love, joy, and peace by dumping many of the "extras" and by living more simply. Wherever G.o.d has called you to live, seek his wisdom about how you can live more frugally and simply. It's okay to enjoy nonessential things G.o.d has blessed you with, but when we acquire or cling to things on the basis of our own preferences, they inhibit our capacity to manifest the beauty of the outrageously generous Kingdom. Seek the wisdom of your Kingdom community as you honestly ask yourself whether you're supposed to be "enjoying" that boat, cottage, or extra car. Are you supposed to have all those shoes and clothes? Many people testify that they've discovered a much greater depth of love, joy, and peace by dumping many of the "extras" and by living more simply. Whenever you consider purchasing an unnecessary item, ask yourself, "Who might need this money more than I need this item?" If a person or a cause comes to mind, consider the possibility that G.o.d might be calling you to forgo the unnecessary item for the sake of that person or cause. If you are called to live in a wealthy neighborhood, consider ways you can alter your lifestyle so as to enter into meaningful relationships with the poor. Whenever you consider purchasing an unnecessary item, ask yourself, "Who might need this money more than I need this item?" If a person or a cause comes to mind, consider the possibility that G.o.d might be calling you to forgo the unnecessary item for the sake of that person or cause. If you are called to live in a wealthy neighborhood, consider ways you can alter your lifestyle so as to enter into meaningful relationships with the poor. If you're a westerner-and especially if you're an American-you live in a consumer culture that brainwashes people into believing they If you're a westerner-and especially if you're an American-you live in a consumer culture that brainwashes people into believing they need need to consume things to be happy and fulfilled. Learn about this consumer culture and seek out ways you can break free from it. A good place to start is watching a short video called to consume things to be happy and fulfilled. Learn about this consumer culture and seek out ways you can break free from it. A good place to start is watching a short video called The Story of Stuff The Story of Stuff at at storyofstuff.com. storyofstuff.com. Read up on poverty in your own country and around the world and process what you can learn with Kingdom people you share life with. (For suggested readings, see www.gregboyd.org.) www.gregboyd.org.) Learn about various poverty and relief organizations. Find one or two to sacrificially give to, pray for, and perhaps volunteer in. As in the previous chapter, join with your small group and/ or your church to host a party in which you invite "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" (Luke 14:12 13). If you're part of a faith community that is relatively isolated from poverty, consider partnering with a faith community located in a poorer neighborhood. As in the previous chapter, join with your small group and/ or your church to host a party in which you invite "the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind" (Luke 14:12 13). If you're part of a faith community that is relatively isolated from poverty, consider partnering with a faith community located in a poorer neighborhood. Go on short term mission trips to serve impoverished neighborhoods or in Third World countries. This is especially important for people who live in isolated wealthy communities since one can't be adequately impacted by poverty from lectures, books, or movies. One has to smell it, taste it, touch it, and breathe it. Go on short term mission trips to serve impoverished neighborhoods or in Third World countries. This is especially important for people who live in isolated wealthy communities since one can't be adequately impacted by poverty from lectures, books, or movies. One has to smell it, taste it, touch it, and breathe it. Volunteer regularly at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Go through your wardrobe and take out everything you haven't worn in the last twelve months and donate it to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or another recycling clothing outlet that offers affordable or free clothes to the poor. Volunteer regularly at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen. Go through your wardrobe and take out everything you haven't worn in the last twelve months and donate it to Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or another recycling clothing outlet that offers affordable or free clothes to the poor. If you can afford to do so, consider adopting an orphan from a Third World country. If you can afford to do so, consider adopting an orphan from a Third World country. Whenever possible, purchase Fair Trade products. These are imported products for which a portion of the profit is reinvested in the economy of the impoverished community that helped produce the product. Unless specifically led by G.o.d to do so, I discourage people from giving to panhandlers. True, Jesus told us to give to everyone who asks (Luke 6:30), but this doesn't mean we have to give them precisely what they ask for. Statistically, it's likely you're helping support habits and activities that are helping to keep these people in poverty. Instead, I recommend taking strangers who approach you out to eat or to a grocery store. (One has to be wise about safety issues, of course.) Or consider carrying gift certificates to local eating establishments that you can offer people when they approach you for money. Unless specifically led by G.o.d to do so, I discourage people from giving to panhandlers. True, Jesus told us to give to everyone who asks (Luke 6:30), but this doesn't mean we have to give them precisely what they ask for. Statistically, it's likely you're helping support habits and activities that are helping to keep these people in poverty. Instead, I recommend taking strangers who approach you out to eat or to a grocery store. (One has to be wise about safety issues, of course.) Or consider carrying gift certificates to local eating establishments that you can offer people when they approach you for money. As discussed in chapter 6, as you pray blessings on people, be sensitive to the Spirit possibly leading you to engage in a random act of generosity. As discussed in chapter 6, as you pray blessings on people, be sensitive to the Spirit possibly leading you to engage in a random act of generosity. One of the best ways to help people in Third World countries is by extending them short-term loans to establish businesses. This is a relatively inexpensive way to make an enormous, lifelong difference in the lives of impoverished individuals and their families. For more information, see One of the best ways to help people in Third World countries is by extending them short-term loans to establish businesses. This is a relatively inexpensive way to make an enormous, lifelong difference in the lives of impoverished individuals and their families. For more information, see kiva.org/index.php. kiva.org/index.php. If you partic.i.p.ate in the political process, make poverty a primary issue in a.s.sessing the candidates and parties you support.

Help your church manifest the generous Kingdom. Talk to G.o.d and others about what your church can do to better revolt against the Powers that fuel greed and poverty, and what you can do to more thoroughly manifest the beauty of G.o.d's generous Kingdom. Here are some suggestions: Talk to G.o.d and others about what your church can do to better revolt against the Powers that fuel greed and poverty, and what you can do to more thoroughly manifest the beauty of G.o.d's generous Kingdom. Here are some suggestions: Pray and think about whether your church looks like a "giant Jesus" in its relationship with the poor. What can you and others in your congregation do to help it become more like a collective Jesus in this area? Pray and think about whether your church looks like a "giant Jesus" in its relationship with the poor. What can you and others in your congregation do to help it become more like a collective Jesus in this area? Does your church's budget reflect G.o.d's heart for the poor? If it doesn't, use whatever influence you have to help make alleviating poverty a higher priority. Does your church's budget reflect G.o.d's heart for the poor? If it doesn't, use whatever influence you have to help make alleviating poverty a higher priority. Learn what your church is doing for the poor and become part of it. If it's doing little, talk to the leadership about starting a ministry to the poor. Learn what your church is doing for the poor and become part of it. If it's doing little, talk to the leadership about starting a ministry to the poor. Volunteer to lead a book or film discussion group on poverty. A small group curriculum many churches have found helpful in waking Christians up to the biblical call to care for the poor is Volunteer to lead a book or film discussion group on poverty. A small group curriculum many churches have found helpful in waking Christians up to the biblical call to care for the poor is Compa.s.sion By Command ( www.compa.s.s...o...b..command.com). Compa.s.sion By Command ( www.compa.s.s...o...b..command.com). If you're in a suburban church, encourage the leadership of your church to enter into mutually beneficial mutually beneficial partnerships with inner-city churches and volunteer to partic.i.p.ate. partnerships with inner-city churches and volunteer to partic.i.p.ate. Encourage the leadership to enter into relationships with other churches in your community to match resources and talents in the various churches with the needs in your community. A great ministry that helps churches around America do this is Encourage the leadership to enter into relationships with other churches in your community to match resources and talents in the various churches with the needs in your community. A great ministry that helps churches around America do this is Love in the Name of Christ Love in the Name of Christ (Love INC). For information, go to (Love INC). For information, go to loveinc.org. loveinc.org. As with all other areas that are central to the Kingdom revolution, if the leadership of your church refuses to make confronting greed and poverty a high priority, prayerfully consider with your small group whether in fact this is the larger church body G.o.d is calling you to align with. As with all other areas that are central to the Kingdom revolution, if the leadership of your church refuses to make confronting greed and poverty a high priority, prayerfully consider with your small group whether in fact this is the larger church body G.o.d is calling you to align with.

CHAPTER 12: THE REVOLT AGAINST THE ABUSE OF CREATION.

Return to the Source. We mistreat the land and the animals entrusted to us primarily because we are self-oriented idolaters. To the extent that we are not full of the Life that comes from G.o.d alone, we tend to a.s.sign to nature only whatever value it has for We mistreat the land and the animals entrusted to us primarily because we are self-oriented idolaters. To the extent that we are not full of the Life that comes from G.o.d alone, we tend to a.s.sign to nature only whatever value it has for us. us. Trees become little more than potential houses and paper while animals become little more than potential food and profits. We can only be freed to experience and appreciate the Trees become little more than potential houses and paper while animals become little more than potential food and profits. We can only be freed to experience and appreciate the intrinsic intrinsic value of nature and animals when we are freed from this idolatrous self-focus. value of nature and animals when we are freed from this idolatrous self-focus.

I encourage you, therefore, to continually return to the true source of Life. Spend time basking in G.o.d's love for you. Experience his reminders that you are perfectly justified by his grace (Romans 5:1), freed from all condemnation (Romans 8:1), blessed with every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3), and are made to be his partner in caring for the earth. Together with your community of Jesus followers, engage in spiritual disciplines by which you help one another increasingly deepen