What the World Ain’t

I considered calling this piece, What’s Wrong with the World but conceded to the fact that the title had already been used by a mind greater than my own.

So instead I settled on What the World Ain’t, and hoped that my poor grammar would safeguard me from again trespassing on the genius of someone that lived long ago.

Solving this problem though I was left with enumerating what the world actually ain’t…

…and when you put anything like that it is terribly difficult to think straight.

Clear thinking aside I have realized some truths that need to be communicated, and thankfully they are as old Genesis.

The world ain’t…

…my oyster or my playground or the clay in which I build a tower that impresses those around me.

MAY I SUGGEST…

…we all go back and read about the Tower of Babel if we need some convincing.

The world isn’t neutral ground where we win some days and lose others.

NOPE…

…but it is enemy territory where we continue to save others from the grasp of the enemy through God’s weapon of mercy (Jude 22-23).

The world isn’t even my fantasy where I can make and unmake who and what I am at the core…

…a vision of the world that is currently in vogue.

THE ANGELS TRIED THAT…

…in the Book of Genesis chapter six, remember?

When sons of God went after the daughters of men, trying to change who and what and where they were…

…to fit a vision that had no place in the world either above or below.

The world is what it has always been…

…a training ground for beings meant for greater things.

…a place for many with amnesia who have forgotten who they are.

…your chance and mine to create along with our God what can never be torn down or destroyed.

And if you are the light of the world…

…and you are…

…then friends, let’s show the world what it ain’t by showing them all what it is.

NOT BY TALKING SO MUCH…

…but by listening, helping and hinting at where the city on the hill stands.

“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

DON’T BE A FOOL

The world needs you today to break free from its illusions of itself.

So do that ONE thing that no one expects you to do.

Go that ONE extra mile on something so contrary to the world that they have to notice.

Today SHOW THEM what a saint looks like.

Inspire them to say when they look at you,

“that just ain’t possible.”

To which you can reply with a smile,

“...and that’s just poor grammar.”

Talk soon, in Christ, patrick