Love with Gusto, Act with Vision

I'm reading Ronald Rolheiser's Holy Longing for, I don't know, the 4th time maybe. I have been stimulated and refreshed by his writing on the detriment of divorcing moral piety and social justice. As I pondered his thoughts I realized the negative impact of personal faith and rugged individualism. There is a need for the integrated thinking and view of the east to infect the disintegrated world of the west. Is it possible to experience individual piety or "moraless" justice?

There is a lot of busy movement in the world deemed to be helpful, but in the end really is not. Haste, more often than not does lead to waste - of resources and life. The need for thoughtful response to world issues via integrated thinking is quite significant.  However, lack of or half-hearted engagement in the world's brokenness is equally detrimental.

Response to human needs should be with gusto anchored in and guided by a vision of life restored. I picture a kite with a string and tail or a hot air balloon with a controlled fire. Love with gusto, act with vision. When giving into generational poverty is with no questions, accountability or coaching it is life-detrimental and selfish - guilt relief is what I tend to call it. When there is a lack of giving out of cynicism or a childish attitude of "mine," it is life-destroying and selfish - arrogance.

Action must also avoid avenues that are simply paved by what I can do. I alone can do very little. We together can accomplish much. When strengths, knowledge, resources, relationships, etc. are pulled together into intentional and collaborative action, driven by selfless love and a vision for life-restoration, we all become better people in community.

If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, his way is to love with gusto and act with vision in and through you. Take a look. What do you see?

Envisioning with Humble Excitement

This morning I read James 4:13-15:

"Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'"

Be careful of believing your own press. Arrogance can take you to a place that does not lead to life, health and peace. Remember who and whose you are. You are not Creator and Sustainer, God is. This is the Father's world and you are but a small part of it.

With that said, you are also part of God's special creation bearing His image. As a follower of Jesus, God dwells within my being - He IS my being and my life!! I am to be a visionary, creative, life restoring force in this world of brokenness. It is not to be ushered from arrogance and pride, however. It is service from a place of humble excitement for what the day, month, year, lifetime may hold.

God is good and He wills to live that goodness through you. Don't taint it with pride.