Yesterday’s posting ended with the suggestion that the Kingdom of God, according to Jesus, is not so much about “saving” as it is about spending, generously giving understanding, compassionate care, hope, love to all people in creation and doing so out of a realization of abundance. That is a function of the new alternative to the brutality and power of the secular kingdom. So, let’s pick up the conversation there.
Another reality about The Way of Jesus: it is not about measuring membership but is about mission. Perhaps you have experience in a church where adding members seemed to be the number one priority. The size of the church somehow signals the depth of faith of members, the skill of leaders. When Jesus talked about building, he meant building up the spirit, the soul of a neighbor or friend. Setting free from bondage will certainly increase one’s hope and change an outlook on society. And that new outlook might lead one to the mission field of your local neighborhood. People of The Way are not counting membership numbers. The are encountering suffering and responding to it as they do the work of God.
Also, in this alternative realm Jesus described, his teachings and demonstrations of love are the standards by which we interpret the scriptures. It’s not the other way around. We ask in a moment of urgency not “what does the bible say” but rather, in this situation what would Jesus do? Jesus is the standard by which we interpret the bible and circulate wonderful news around the world.
Final observation about the work and witness of The People of The Way. On behalf of Jesus they proclaim that Spirit always precedes functional systems. Prayer increases power as one dares to act in the name of Jesus. Spiritual discernment is essential when decisions have to be made. This, I believe, is one of the most important foundational stones of our faith. Systems that reflect integrity and justice are the results of spiritual preparation.
Kingdom thinking is not always easy, just as walking The Way with Jesus is not always simple. I hope these brief conversations have prompted you to some deep thought and new considerations of our calling to be His followers. Never be afraid to ask questions of traditions and practices. Be wary of communities that dismiss or deny spiritual inquiry because it has all the final answers. Kingdom thinking, when done with charity and honesty, opens windows and welcomes fresh breezes. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Press on.
Shining Spirit 
Will try to do so.