During my Intro to Practical Wisdom class, I have gained some insight on following after the "Way of Jesus." As a class, we are simply choosing to apprentice ourselves to Jesus, living as his disciples. Our discussions have been largely focused on a vital joy of the gospel, that the church often forgets. God's in-breaking rule of shalom is upon us. Shalom is a communal state of flourishing. Through following Jesus, we can receive the blessings of God's rule, and minister them to others. As Christians, we fight for our neighbors' well-being and wholeness. These blessings as listed in class include: jubilee, justice, righteousness, peace, healing, forgiveness, and God’s tender presence. Isaiah prophesies that this heavenly reality will permeate the earth. These precious blessings come slowly, and we experience what are foretastes to the Kingdom Rule of God. When Christ returns, the communal experience of these blessings will be both eternal and perfect.
In learning about the in-breaking Kingdom of God, I more fully understand the vital importance of communally sharing these blessings. Christ's life radiates the Kingdom of God, and he lived to serve others. To take Christ's yoke upon us—following after him and rejoicing in watching the shalom of God flooding the earth—calls for radical measures. Adhering to Christ's Kingdom means rejecting individualistic culture; this is why I am writing about this topic.
I have learned what an individualist culture is because of this class. America is primarily an individualist nation, in that the goods of the individual take precedence over the goods of the group. The purpose of an individual is their own happiness and success. Additionally, the individual alone makes their decisions because they need to choose what is best for them. Our greatest hopes become whatever we dream for ourselves. The consequence of this type of culture is relational isolation, self-centered thinking, and a defiant stance against the nature of the Kingdom of God. In recognition of the vast contrast between American culture and the culture of the Kingdom of God, I hope to shift our focus and specifically that of college students.
Consider these verses:
Philippians 2:1-5;
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 12:10-13;
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
Hebrews 10:24-25;
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
Verses such as these describe a culture in which the focus is cast from ourselves onto others. Service of others is ultimately for the purpose of the glory and love of God, as indicated by the law. These verses call the church to radically love others and necessarily work towards that love with a community of believers. My professor for my Intro to Practical Wisdom class, Thomas Crisp, stated, “By immersing ourselves in a close knit community practicing servant hood, economic simplicity, enemy love, community with the poor and marginalized, and so forth, we are enabled to live in these deeply counter-cultural ways.”
I write this to college students primarily because our greatest concern tends to be our future career. We constantly battle fear and anxiety, in view of the demands of adult life after college. We question and doubt whether God will provide us with a stable career, happiness, and the fulfillment of our dreams. Brothers and sisters, this simply should not be the case. A greater concern of ours should be the shalom of our neighbors, of anyone in need and reach of our love. Consider the heart behind the radical practice of the early church, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer...All the believers were together and had everything in common...They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people” (Acts 2:42-46). As much as possible, we ought to live such as this.
As for a more specific application, consider your hopes and dreams past college. Your desires for future blessings such as career, wealth, happiness; these are not bad within themselves. Now consider those around you: family, friends, the needy, the broken, the outcast. The ministering of shalom to these people ought to have precedence over your education. Education is essential, and we are to be good stewards of what it is that we have. Yet, our education is ultimately for the glory of Christ, and secondly, to the service of others. If you have found radical community—those you cherish, who seek your growth and shalom, and you theirs—consider not deserting them after college.
I understand and fully support the call of those for missions to other countries, and the heart to share Christ to the ends of the earth. Although there is still this silly thought that after college, “My friends and I will say our goodbyes as we chase after our dreams and careers,” I do not want to say the reality that at times this will happen. But I encourage you to not establish and break deeply-rooted friendships. I encourage your community to strive to live near each other after college, showing each other importance of each others presence in your lives, and then spreading the shalom of God alongside these cherished brothers and sisters. May we fight against individualist thinking and seek the shalom of others, considering others as more important than ourselves.
