Principles for the next generation of reconcilers
As I near the age of fifty, I sense from the Heavenly Father to begin to pour into the next generation of reconcilers. I’ve been in the ministry world for a total of 23 years and the reconciliation and justice space for 17. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve made a tone of mistakes. I’ve repented more times than I can remember. I’ve also discovered the true self, which Christ has put in me and allowed me to further his kingdom as his beloved.
Below are list of 7 principles that I’ve been working on for the last few years for the next generation of reconcilers to consider.
Rest knowing that this is Gods work and his heart too reconcile all things. We’re just responding to it all as his beloved. God’s commitment precedes our own.
The inner work of reconciliation is much more important than the external work of reconciliation.
Allow the Spirit to reconcile your divided life, thus allowing your true self to live. I spent so many years in our neighborhood living a life that’s not my own because I hadn’t dealt with my family of origin.
Your character is far more important than your charisma. “So be content with who you are, and don't put on airs. God's STRONG HAND is on you; he'll promote you at the right time,”(1 Peter 5:6,MSG).
Take the long arc of reconciliation. Christ’s work of reconciling all things is slow, arduous work. The real work and difference is in the trenches on Monday morning.
Passion without knowledge is not good. Passion is beautiful, but accompany it with knowledge, a posture of learning, humility, and interdependence across race, class, and culture. Listen to those you are called to serve.
Wrestle with the power culture has given you. Listen more than talk. Don’t assume you know it all. In modeling Paul’s commands in Philippians 2 to consider the interests of others more than your own, recognizing the power given to you by culture and seek to give it away.
Realize how deeply entrenched the sin of racism is in culture and in yourself. Sin loves power. Power loves division. Division has been happening since Genesis 3 and manifests itself in all different contexts and cultures. Racism is unique to America has been weaponized by majority culture for the purpose of power.
The church or ministry you lead is only going to be as deep as how you’ve allowed God to do work in yourself.