Zero-sum, all-you-can-eat and Christianity

Some people feel that there is a scarcity in the world. News of few jobs, few natural resources and diminishing opportunities affirm this sense that the world is running out of “stuff.” Other people feel that there is an abundance in the world. The ease to spend beyond one’s means, enjoy all-you-can eat-buffets and the endless supply of information on the internet affirm this sense of abundance -- that we can have our cake and eat it too.

Christians are called by Jesus to embrace a third view of the world: there is enough. When Jesus teaches us to pray for our daily bread, he teaches us not to worry we will run out of food or conversely be irresponsible with over-indulgence. Jesus teaches us to trust that, through God, we will have enough. Having the view of “enough” is a position of faith in God.

These three different worldviews affect the way we live in the world.  A worldview of scarcity can lead us to despair and hopelessness.  A worldview of abundance can lead us to rely on our own abilities in order to “store up” a surplus and take more than our share of resources.  The Christian view of enough calls us to trust that the God who has provided for people in all times and places will provide for us today.  We do not despair and we are not irresponsible.  Instead, we hold fast to our God of daily bread.

Applauding sacrificial service

When a military person stands, we all clap. Even those who are pacifist will clap because they recognize the sacrificial service - even if the person is actually against war all together. 

We applaud those who serve our world and nation in ways that are "above and beyond". We would want our children to be willing to work in the world for causes that transcend the individual. Values such as service, freedom, selflessness, justice and hope are values that we all can affirm. Which is why we clap when the military stands up. 

I wonder why we do not have the same sense of applause when someone in the Peace Corps stands up? 

Knocking down LEGO is for kids not adults

My four year old son loves to build structures out of LEGO for the primary reason to knock it down upon completion. Countless LEGO buildings have been destroyed by everything from a four year old giant to a Dromaeosauraus.

When I ask Jude if he wants to build something else after the great destruction, he generally says no. The joy Jude feels with LEGO is rooted all in the destruction. But Jude is four and four year old boys are supposed to have joy in destroying LEGO and one day four year old boys grow up.

But some of us don't grow up. Some of us still get the greatest joy out of destruction.

There is no problem wanting to deconstruct things in this world. Deconstructionism is essential to critical thinking and self awareness and the development of values. Many people have made a living on deconstructing different things in this world. Pollock deconstructed painting. Neo-atheism deconstructed religion.

But, like my son, at some point deconstruction is not enough. We have to grow up. We have to be able to build up something after we have deconstructed it. Otherwise we become so cynical that there is nothing in this world that is worth putting trust into.

Deconstruction is critical for your formation, but it is not enough to just be break things into pieces.

That is for kids.