The unseen upside down reality of the kingdom measures success and advancement without any of the calculations in our cultural way of life. Instead of adding our good works and accomplishments to our resume for future career options, we depend on the the Holy Spirit’s prompting to live out what we believe. Instead of storing up Bible knowledge to prove that I’m right on specific issues, I’m learning to listen to what Scripture is saying about His loving presence. The fulcrum of power, independence, accumulation of possessions, and pursuit of status are overthrown with His gentle voice saying “Follow me.”
“I have found it very important in my own life to try to let go of my wishes and instead to live in hope. I am finding that when I choose to let go of my sometimes petty and superficial wishes and trust that my life is precious and meaningful in the eyes of God something really new, something beyond my own expectations begins to happen for me. (“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” - Psalm 20: 7)
- Henri Nouwen
“A servant uses power on behalf of another, walking alongside the other. A servant seeks the other’s benefit, often at great personal cost.The contrast is clear: over versus alongside, down against versus on behalf of, for personal gain versus for the benefit of the other, at the expense of the other versus at personal cost.” - Excerpt, Following Jesus: Discipleship in the Gospel of Mark by Steve Langford
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