John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.”
I received my undergraduate degree from a college operated by the Quakers, and their belief in Christian pacifism had a strong influence on my formation. Equality of every person is an outgrowth of this theological and ethical belief system, and inequality is considered a violent act.
Guided by this philosophy, all decisions at the college are made by consensus out of respect for each other’s dignity. The process leading to each decision is as important as the decision itself. All voices around the table are to be heard. This process means not being afraid of the truth, no matter what form it presents itself. Maybe this is part of what Jesus means when he when says his kingdom is not of this world, a place where we often refuse to listen.
MOVING FORWARD: How do you make decisions? Does it look like kingdom work or world work?
SSADVENTDEC8.jpg