Where Do We Look For the Kin(g)dom of God

This illustration is one my friend and college Roger uses. Each circle (as can be seen) refers to a specific part of the human experience: there is the Economic Realm, the Environmental Realm and the Community Realm. Each of these Realms overlaps the others to a lesser or greater extent. How much they overlap, how much they "should" overlap, and/or are any of these Realms actually outside the influence of the others (i.e. independent of the others) are questions worth pondering. 

I want to draw your attention to the center section, on which all three circles/Realms overlap. In my friend Roger's model this has the potential to be the Kin(g)dom of God. In essence, the Kin(g)dom of God influences Economic, Environmental, and Community. Just because we notice overlap, however, doesn't imply that the Kin(g)dom of God is there. So it is imperative that we ask what the King(d)om of God looks like. Are some of the following characteristics: justice, compassion, loving, caring, equality, not crucifying others? What else would you add? In no way do I see what I've mentioned as the only characteristics. 

How then do we live in a world that actively crucifying others? 'Not my country!,' I can hear you say. Really?  (To use one Realm as an example) Economic prosperity is often built on the backs of others. Some religious groups have felt that there is no way to live so closely with empire and so love apart (the Amish are one example among many). Most of us however strive to live as a part but separate, bringing the Kin(g)dom into the empire (or to put it another way, attempting to transform the empire into the Kin(g)dom) like yeast hidden in bread. But it is tough. (Tough to do, the "bread" is incredible!)

So this week's reflection isn't to give any answers, but to get you pondering how you are living your life. How are you bringing the Kin(g)dom into fruition? Where are you finding the Kin(g)dom hiding? 

Blessed be,
Joel