Establishing Kingdom Culture

Violence is a major issue amongst the youth of Hawaii. It is not only accepted, but often encouraged and promoted. With families here from various islands throughout the Pacific, racism is a normal experience also.

A couple of weeks ago at community outreach, one of the older boys grabbed a couple of 4-year-olds, put them face-to-face, and started chanting: "Fight! Fight! Fight!" We've learned to not be surprised by constant name calling, coarse language, crying, screaming, accusing, punching, throwing things, etc. It's a sad reality that only love and relationship can change.

There are two younger girls who are often at each others' throats. Today they got off the bus arguing and accusing each other, and soon afterwards were full-on fighting. One ended up in a corner crying, as friends ran to her defense. The other--who had apparently started the whole uproar--stood off to the side staring into space with a slight hint of regret on her face.

After a couple minutes of talking with both of them gently individually, something beautiful happened. The girl who started it became suddenly repentant. I said to her, "How about let's just agree not to make fun of people or say hurtful things anymore?"

And she genuinely agreed!

Then something even more Kingdom happened. She apologized to the girl she'd hurt. When no response came, she reached into her goodie bag from school and started offering small gifts to her weeping enemy, until most of her bag had been emptied out.

I told her I was proud of her, and as the other girl wasn't ready to forgive, I suggested we leave and go play. But she only walked with me for a moment. Then she turned back to the crying girl and sat next to her, speaking gently to her.

A few minutes later they were in the bathroom together, the repentant one putting a rub-on tattoo on the other girl's hand.

In a context where we aren't supposed to talk much about God, it was so amazing to SEE the Gospel lived out by these two girls. It totally broke every standard their little elementary school culture has placed over them, of fighting, resentment, bitterness, exclusion, and anger.

God does not want us to simply preach His truth. He wants us to establish the culture of His Kingdom all over the earth. And it is happening!! "Your Kingdom come...on earth as it is in heaven."!!!! Yes and amen!!!

Treasure.

Tonight I get to share with the kids on campus about treasure, how Jesus is the greatest treasure we could ever have. I've been thinking about it and just struck with the truth of this simple concept.

We have a choice right now to chase after God with everything in us. He can either be just another thing in our life, or He can be the one we desire more than any other. We have the choice to step into the fullness of His love today!

Jesus really is amazing. We say it and hear it all the time, but it's time to get that  into our hearts! To desire The Lord. Not just going through the motions but longing for him like we long for water on a hot summer day. 

Jesus...may our hearts desire you as a treasure. May we truly see and know your beauty, your value and worth, your perfection. May we follow you not out of obligation but out of fascination. Let us fall more in love with you each day as lesser lovers fade away.

Give us undivided hearts towards you--you truly are worthy.