The Redemptive Optimism of Another World

Transcript:

Hello, this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

In one very profound sense Christians do not live for this world. And, because of that, in a very profound sense that’s the best possible thing for this world.

What do I mean?

Think of it this way. What causes all the injustice and fighting in this world? In large part it is driven by our lying, stealing and cheating in order to get worldly gain over others that are likewise lying, stealing and cheating in order to do the same. This vicious and envious cycle spirals to the point of misery and even murder.

What drives this obsession? Underneath is a belief that this world is all there is. Simply put, you only go around once. And so, if I don’t get my way in the here and now, I’ll never get it.

However, the Christian is driven by a different vision of the world. She believes and knows that this world is not all there is. Rather, this world is a kind of testing ground for a renewed world yet to come. In the yet-to-come world, God has promised unimaginable delights to all who trust and obey Him in the here and now.

Now, what’s the effect of this? The effect, I think, is quite obvious. Those trusting in this promise from God will live differently in the here and now, because they know the best is yet to come. They will have patience when mistreated, kindness when slandered, courage in the face of opposition, perseverance in doing good, and generosity with their material possession. Why? All because they have a hope that goes beyond here-and-now.

Is this hope driving you?

Something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

Someone in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.” But He said to him, “Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?” Then He said to them, “Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions.” And He told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man was very productive. And he began reasoning to himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, since I have no place to store my crops?’ Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years to come; take your ease, eat, drink and be merry.”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your soul is required of you; and now who will own what you have prepared?’ So is the man who stores up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
~ Luke 12:13-21 (NASB)