The Simple Life

I just finished reading God and Country, an essay by Wendell Berry, about organized religion and the fractured idea of stewardiship. Because organized religion is so dependent upon the economy of our nation, it feels, if you are a member of a church, imperative to give to the building fund instead of funding research to stop, for instance, global warming. Is the American church really about truth, beauty, righteousness and the desire to serve? Or are we more concerned with the maintenance of our building? Coffee breaks during the worship service? God in Genesis commanded Adam and Eve to be fruitful and multiply, replenish the earth and subdue it. Many Christians use this as their justifier for being meat-eaters as well as destroyers of the environment. Berry quotes God's clarifying instructions on how to treat the earth (in case you were confused) from Revelations: "Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die." 

I have been very confused lately about what exactly I am 'called' to as a believer. Is it evangelism? Is it simple workmanship...being faithful in the menial tasks of the everyday? Is it social justice? Is it parenting? Community? Family? The Church? As Dave and I leave the full-time 'ministry' of being on staff at a church, its difficult wrestling with these questions. I am driven to be closer to home, the one with my extended family and well as my life-long tribe of friends. Is that being faithful to God and his call on our lives? 

Though, I am always drawn back to the simple wisdom of Papa Joe, "Its not about right or wrong; Its about life," I still wrestle with what it looks like to be Kingdom-minded. I don't want to live for my own little kingdom. But, there is a sense that God has made things like family, community, work, traditions, stories and art and they are all good. Do I over-spiritualize 'kingdom-living' to be about living in the most oppressed, most needy place on earth and church planting? Though, again, the command in revelations is to be about those things that are dying. I suppose you can do that anywhere. Strengthen the things that remain that are ready to die...the black family, the Sudan, the environment, hope, community, the Church, my libido. :) 

The simple life is so appealing except that I don't really like doing laundry or the dishes. There is very little peace in my home (but, glory of glories, I cleaned all day today and Atticus occupied himself with legos and his scooter for most of the day! Dave made chicken nachos while Ellie did her homework. I was savoring this rare peace. Was it because I vacuumed, I wonder? ) 

Whatever the answer, I will be encouraged today to live as Wendell Berry is calling me to: Ally yourself with what is worthy. On that note, I think I'll go watch the latest episode of Lost.