Too many Christian justice advocates want to change the world, so they leave the chance to change their neighborhoods in search for a bigger and better and more recognizable national (or global) platform–when God is calling them to serve their local church, seek to change their neighbors' lives with the gospel, and bring to bear the gospel (the good news of God's kingdom) right their in the own neighborhoods.
Let's be frank, my fellow justice advocates, we (not all, thankfully) prefer the glory of national recognition over anonymity in a powerless position somewhere simply serving a local church. Can't change the world from there. Can't have a platform to be heard there. Too many famous, celebrity justice advocates belong to big, mega, and bigger churches; live in well-to-do affluent neighborhoods, and gladly wear (and drive and travel and obtain) all the bling necessary to look successful–which adds to their platform and leverage. Headlining at a conference rather than serving in a small local church in an under-resourced neighborhood is far better a platform for change.
However, the only leverage God choses is the cross and the platform that God has chosen to demonstrate and bring about his cosmic reconciliation is the gathered-church; but we want anything but . . . we need power and glory. Come on, let's be honest.
Glory and recognition is always a temptation because it's all about power and we love power. It's not the applause, though we like that; it's not the camera and mic making us more visible and louder; it's not the awards and lists of accomplishments when introduced to speak to hundreds and thousands–nope, it's simply our love for power. If we can't or won't give it away (give power away) in our own neighborhoods, then seeking a platform that makes us bigger, louder, more well paid, a cool talking head, isn't the gospel, it's idolatry.
Go serve a church in your neighborhood; better yet, find an under-resourced, powerless neighborhood and plant a church or become member of a church planted in that neighborhood . . . God's been there all this time and the gospel will change lives and change neighborhoods . . . if we are willing to give our power away.
Let's be frank, my fellow justice advocates, we (not all, thankfully) prefer the glory of national recognition over anonymity in a powerless position somewhere simply serving a local church. Can't change the world from there. Can't have a platform to be heard there. Too many famous, celebrity justice advocates belong to big, mega, and bigger churches; live in well-to-do affluent neighborhoods, and gladly wear (and drive and travel and obtain) all the bling necessary to look successful–which adds to their platform and leverage. Headlining at a conference rather than serving in a small local church in an under-resourced neighborhood is far better a platform for change.
However, the only leverage God choses is the cross and the platform that God has chosen to demonstrate and bring about his cosmic reconciliation is the gathered-church; but we want anything but . . . we need power and glory. Come on, let's be honest.
Glory and recognition is always a temptation because it's all about power and we love power. It's not the applause, though we like that; it's not the camera and mic making us more visible and louder; it's not the awards and lists of accomplishments when introduced to speak to hundreds and thousands–nope, it's simply our love for power. If we can't or won't give it away (give power away) in our own neighborhoods, then seeking a platform that makes us bigger, louder, more well paid, a cool talking head, isn't the gospel, it's idolatry.
Go serve a church in your neighborhood; better yet, find an under-resourced, powerless neighborhood and plant a church or become member of a church planted in that neighborhood . . . God's been there all this time and the gospel will change lives and change neighborhoods . . . if we are willing to give our power away.
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