We live in a society of “individuals”. This is why we have trouble forming healthy community. This is why consumerism is so rampant. Ultimately, this is also why Christians are so ineffective in the western world. We have a gospel for the individual that promises individual salvation and we expect every individual to use their own gifts in a church full of individuals. Inevitably this leads to conflict, division and separation. The message of the Kingdom of God is an absolute challenge to this philosophy. The Kingdom is not a like-minded group of individuals but a community of those who follow a crucified Christ.

Kingdom people “become all things to all people” and “the servant of others”. Kingdom people are not absorbed by what God is doing in their lives, but what God is doing in the world, and, in particular, in the lives of others who are not yet in the kingdom. Kingdom people do not seek conflict, even with their enemies, and they do not separate from others because of theology or practice. Instead, they reflect Jesus who was accused of spending time with sinners and who welcomed the unlikeable and unacceptable of society into His kingdom – a realm and lifestyle where love, forgiveness, kindness, patience, and unselfishness are the values seen in kingdom people. We should all pray “thy Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.”

Randy Edwards

It's always an interesting experience when someone who's not normally a spokesperson for faith clearly articulates a core faith principle. The main feeling is a sense of joy that someone, anyone, has nailed it (there's also a sense of shame that it wasn't a spokesperson for faith). This time it's the comedian Stephen Colbert of the Colbert Nation. I've always believed that an important role for comedians is pointing out when the Emperor has no clothes on, e.g. the Chaser boys are at their best when they do so, here's a great example.

Pete Mc

(The image is courtesy of the good folk at The Progressive Christian Alliance, check 'em out on FaceBook)

As the year draws to an end I'm sure your thoughts are drawn to 2012. Do you make New Year's resolutions?

When you think about your goals for 2012 can I offer the words of Marianne Williamson:

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

Pete Mc