Kingdom Thinking

When I was younger, stronger and physically flexible, I played football for the mighty Hornets of Alex Spence Junior High School. Won a few, lost a few. And one thing I remember about being on that team was the Head Coach, Mr. Whitten, who always reminded us that if we followed the “fundamentals” of the game we would win. Back to the basics, follow the fundamentals. His mantra and theme song. I tell you this because I have been thinking recently about the basics of the Christian faith, and how faith practices would be powerful and persuasive if we followed the fundamental concepts and ideas taught and demonstrated by Jesus. I know that many good books have been written about faith’s basic concepts, and that what I believe to be basic ideas might not be identical to your understanding. That said, I want to spend a few days thinking with you about principles, values, and practices that one might consider fundamentally crucial as a follower of The Way of Jesus.

The term “The Way” was taken on by early Christians who were called “People of The Way.” That term precedes the designation “Christian” and is descriptive of people who followed The Way, a combination of belief and practice. It wasn’t enough to believe without practical application of that belief, and vice versa. So, I start my list of basics with two ideas, both rather universal but filled with practical application and expression. The Way of Jesus is about two things: 1. transforming bondage into freedom and 2. changing the culture by changing the individual. About the first: bondage is not just about prisons and barred windows. Bondage to anything denies the ability one has to make choices. A citizen of a totalitarian regime is in bondage to the political structure, held “captive.” The kingdom of Caesar demands allegiance, and will get it by force, if necessary. The Kingdom of God gives freedom within the boundaries of respect and compassionate concern. Jesus said, to put words into his mouth: bondage is not the way of God. I can show you an alternative, a culture in which you will be human and not hostage.

And that’s number two: kingdoms usually thrive on political control, but my kingdom exists because of the individual expression of compassionate concern. To put it in “political” terms: the kingdom of God is about selfless compassion, not about self-interested control. One kingdom denies the intent of God for the sake of power while the other kingdom develops the fullness of God’s creation. Individuals are kingdom changers. You and you and you and you, by living my way, will remake the culture. These two “basics” are, in my way of thinking, foundational stones. How would you describe the “fundamentals” of your faith? That’s your homework assignment for next time. Come on, let’s be on The Way. We press on.