Sorry, you can't

While we're all young we want to change the world. We see the injustices and oppression our world doles out on people and we think we can change it. We're told stories through our childhood about the heroes who stood up and changed the world. Our parents want us to aspire to heights they never reached. Who doesn't want to be a hero?

I'd be lying to you if I told you I didn't want to be a hero. I want to change the world. I want to wake up the sleepers to join the cause. I want to right the injustices. Yet, I know better.

I think of David (the psalmist). He's king, and yet he can't change the world. He still screams out to God to right the injustices he sees. Obviously, some of his psalms were written before he sat on the throne, but he had still been anointed. He knows better. He's crying out to the one who can truly change the world.

I'm not saying we can't physically do things that move our world to a better place. I'm just saying that if it's our idea and our own motivation it will fail. God is good at that; making sure he receives the glory he is justly due. It's a good thing, for us, that we can't change the world. We already mess it up enough. Only God can redeem this world and he has already put that in motion. It's done and is coming to fruition.

I'm saying we've got a few things required of us when we are made aware of these injustices.

1. Crying out. Throughout biblical history this is the number one way injustices are righted.

2. Be changed. We, too often, try to change others/the world when God is trying to change us.

3. Be an instrument. I know I said we can't change the world, but God can through us. Each person willing to be used by God changes the world. Usually only a little at a time and in imperceivable amounts. This is why the kingdom is here...... and coming.

It's expensive

It's all about giving what you have. When you do it's multiplied. Therefore; it is not about what you have given but what God has done. He will always take the glory. This is as it should be. It keeps us humble and draws people to himself. A great example of this is the boy who gives the fish and loaves when Jesus feeds the 5000. This was likely the boy and his family's lunch and may have have lasted them a couple days. Knowing full well he would probably be in trouble when he got home, he gave away what little he had. He trusted God. His faith allowed this miracle to happen. Even though his contribution seemed minute in his mind he willingly gave it all. God could have sent Mana again from the sky, but there was a willing servant in this boy. He took the gift freely given him and made it more than enough for the crowd.

God doesn't need us to be rich monetarily. In fact he asks for our all over and over. I would assume this applies to all. He wants our all not because he needs it but as an assurance of faith. He knows our heart but we are physical beings. Our physical selves need to give a show of the value which they place on something. It's for us as much as it is for God. We see this in the parables of the kingdom of heaven. A guy sells everything he has to buy a field in which he found treasure. How much is the kingdom worth to you? Are you willing to leave all you have, all you hold dear? Is the kingdom that valuable to you? It will cost you all this and more. Jesus said we don't build a house without knowing it's cost. Why would we commit our lives to something without knowing what we were getting into. Recent evangelistic efforts hid this from people. We told them come, say a prayer, and go to heaven. The cost of grace is free, a gift. But the cost of discipleship, of following Jesus, is great. It'll cost you your life. Everything about your old life and ultimately your physical life will be lost. This is traded in for the abundant life and ultimately the eternal life with God. Jesus says those who strive to keep their life will lose it, but those who lose their life will find it.

Dancing in the moonlight

What would it take for you to dance?

To abandon all pretense; to buck off the rules?

Why do you love your laws?

Wouldn't it be better to dance with your groom?

Would you just listen to your groom?

Shouldn't he be your master under this moon?

Isn't the music he plays for you?

Why can't you just let him lead you in this dance?

Is it the security your leaders provide?

Do you really trust the sedative they feed you?

Do you think your groom will forget about you?

After the sacrifice he made to free you from those rules?

Will you fall for the whores?

Have they fooled you with your grooms name?

You can't really be so mistaken, can you?

Is it because it's easy, are you that scared to work?

Would you prefer a waltz?

Isn't your groom worth the time?

Don't you see how much he loves you?

Won't you just go dance with him in the moonlight?