We Are the Ones We've Been Waiting For

Early Advent believers were active participants in the fight against slavery, a major social and political issue in their day. During the past 150 years since the early days of our church we have shyed from being active participants. I'm not too sure why this shift has occurred but one prominent reason seems to be the belief in the imminent Advent of Christ.

Our generation of young adults (similar in age to many of the ideological pioneers of our Adventist Church) recognizes the disconnect between being a follower of Christ and a citizen of these United States of America. Reading of Holy Scriptures, seems to clearly indicate that social responsibility, defense of the oppressed, compassion for the poor, and care for the sick are all ideals that Jesus clearly taught and expected from His followers.

Because I am a Christian I need to be engaged in the world, so that I can understand the dynamics of our system and the issues related to the needs of our families and our communities. All the while I am reminded over and over again to consistently focus attention not on me, but externally, on the needs of "the other". Focusing on "the Other" reminds me of the sacrificial love of Jesus and is a life principle of gratitude, peace, and grace.

So as I at look the social and political landscape of our nation I recognize how I have neglected the teaching of Christ and not enhanced Kingdom good in my world. I hear the urgency of our generation and think that our self appointed mandate is clear. We are the ones we've been waiting for as Jim Wallis so eloquently states. We cannot afford to wait any longer for someone else to tell us how to love each other, promote peace, and share kindness. I invite you to embrace that, "We are the ones we've been waiting for".

I hope that this blog will help you formulate understanding of the issues impacting our nation and world, through the lens of Kingdom values.

God Peace to you all.