It seems utterly incompatible, about as ridiculous as preparing for a crisis by studying gardening and botany. If persecution is coming to those who live godly in Christ Jesus – if a distinction is going to appear between the Kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world in a way that requires we take sides - then what is the place of living in community: of being the church, the alternative culture shining brilliant hints of the patriarchs’ “better city”?
Yet this paradox lives, and has lived throughout the history of the church. It is when the people of God do life together that they are perceived as a threat to be persecuted. And it is under the threat of intense suffering that the people congregate, realizing that they need each other more than for a religious ceremony once a week – and that if time is short, the priority of life is all the more to live faithfully and investing in the eternal things: people.
To God be all glory.
I have given this subject a lot of thought... My brain, though, is too muddled to produce a piece of writing worth reading, so I will not try to produce it...
ReplyDeleteJust stopped by to say hello, and that you're in my thoughts, though more importantly in God's. And He is IN LOVE with you. Sacrificing His own life to be with You, to have you love Him, glorify Him with your life, to deliver you out of all trouble, of mind or matter, to His glory...
to God is forever all glory,
åslaug
Good to hear from you. You sound as though you are doing well!
ReplyDeleteI finally added a bit to my story blog, a partial story as is my wont. But I thought of you when I posted.
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn
Aslaug,
ReplyDeleteYou're in America? What state? Are you traveling for your nanny-job?
To God be all glory,
Lisa of Longbourn