“I just recently read this book by, I think he's a German sociologist named Harmut Rosa. I think that's how you say his name, but the book is called The Uncontrollability of the World. Oh, he talks about how and I know the title alone is worth the money.
That he talks about how in the modern world, because of the way all sorts of things, the industrial revolution, technology, all sorts of things have rewired and shaped us. He says that we have come to see all of life, including other human beings, as things to conquer or to master or to subdue, so that we can control them. And he says so that we can make use of them.
It's really just utility. And we don't really think about this, but like honestly, we think about even other human beings this way. Like what use is this person to me?
And he actually, this is the point I'm trying to make. He says, because of that, we live life as a series of his words, points of aggression. He says all of life in the modern world is lived in an aggressive posture.
I have to know, but[…]”
From Become New with John Ortberg: 7. Technology is not neutral — it's forming us. | John Ortberg & Jay Kim, Jun 24, 2025
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/become-new-with-john-ortberg/id1554045522?i=1000714316430&r=2038
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MO
How much of our lives could be summarized as a struggle between living in the world but not of the world? The inverse operation of the kingdom is opposite of the world’s systems. Forgiveness and generosity are in conflict with retribution and division. Grace is the currency of the kingdom’s economy instead of earning your way to status and power. Being known as His beloved is far different than the shame of not being a celebrity.
Group think tends to dominate many systems of operation. Governmental systems become entrenched into expanding influence instead of protecting the vulnerable. Advertising promotes scarcity and fear driven decisions instead of making us aware of what could help us. Athletic prowess promotes supremacy and victory sf the expense of character development. Leadership becomes all about the leader’s self sufficiency rather than training future leaders.
Just as in the days of Adam and Eve, we are tempted to think we can control our outcomes. The evil in us creates doubt in our Triune God’s love and provision. Instead of trusting Him, we trust ourselves. Instead of surrendering to His care, we grip an illusion that we can manipulate circumstances for our own benefit. Rather than waiting patiently, trusting the process of becoming someone new, we take short cuts to preserve an illusion of our own kingdoms.
Living in our world requires wise discernment, filtering out the noise and distractions to righteousness and holy living. Kingdom loving is not withdrawing from the world, but living in it, creating communities of restoration and healing. Being a remnant of His presence and power is discovering a new identity of joy, peace, hope, and love, despite the fear and shame around us. Our goal is to remain attached to our Father as his adopted children, not as wayward refugees
“For although we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh, since the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are powerful through God for the demolition of strongholds. We demolish arguments and every proud thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.”
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 CSB
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