An Empire of a Different Kind

I have been reading about the Roman Empire of late, particularly of Caesar Augustus, the leader under whom Rome achieved a stature that the world had never witnessed before. It was an incredible empire, powerful and advanced in every way.

As I read of Augustus' life, I wonder, 'how in the world would I keep my ego in check if I literally ruled the world?' Many of the Caesars took the step of proclaiming themselves to be gods, and who could argue? Caesars ruled with great power. Rome could not be conquered. I wonder what there would be within us to put a border on our ego if there were no external borders placed on our power? When I am defeated I am humbled, but with all success and power what would limit my thoughts about myself? It seems power fed the egos of the Caesars - perhaps in a way the world had never seen.

I think of this, because into this Roman Empire Jesus was born. Yes, it was on the fringe. But Jesus, as his followers would be - was born into this empire, and interestingly within it, he would build an empire of a different kind. It would surpass Rome's in its size and power, it would claim more citizens than Rome ever knew, and it would also have limits. In building his kingdom Jesus keeps our egos in check by reminding us that his kingdom is based on words like humility and service, forgiveness and mercy. These words deflate the ego, even defeat it.

Letting my mind wander, I confess that I have tried often to turn my life into my own pathetic little empire and as it has been built taken the ego ride that comes with it - a pep-rally of my own importance. I hope that Christmas returns me again to the basics. Life is about Jesus and the values he taught - and really it is in his empire I want to find a place.

Happy Birthday, Jesus. I am glad that you are here.

A Story on the Line

This week in politics spiritual stories have figured prominently, from Mitt Romney's Morminism which is controversial to many Christians to Oprah Winfrey's recalling Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Christian convictions that further opened up African American political participation. In our political campaigns, perhaps in an unrivaled way, the faith lives of candidates have been asked about and spoken of intensely. If you want to know more, take a look at the Pew Forum (www.pewforum.org) and there you will find the spiritual stories of all of our political candidates.

My question is this: if you were on the campaign trail and asked about your faith, what would you say? It is easy to take a shot at the faith of others, without putting yourself on the line. As I think about it, Jesus criticized certain aspects of the faith of others but he also told people what he believed. Jesus did not like the lack of charity or the spiritual boasting of the Pharisees, but while Jesus was confronting the Pharisees he was also open and honest about who he was and what he was about. This is part of why I like Jesus' style so much - he confronted others, and was honest about his own story.

So this is the challenge - write your own story and email it to the loft (anixon@loftchurch.com). What do you believe, and what has shaped you to believe as you do? You might find that in writing the story you will learn a lot about God and you - and will be able to have a more interesting conversation with those who have put their faith out there for all to see.

What You Need is Half of What You Want

Many years ago I was traveling to Europe for an extended stay. As departure day drew closer a friend of mine gave me a piece of advice saying, 'put everything you think you need on a bed, and then get rid of half of it.' This was my first introduction to thoughtfully considering what you need.

On packing day, I took the advice - everything I thought I needed on a bed. There was a lot - music, books, momentos from home...American food - basically it was my life stateside piled up along with clothes, toiletries, etc... The pile was far beyond the dimensions of any luggage, and a private 747 was not feasible.

What I then discovered has stayed with me - there are layers of want. I want this as a luxury, I want that as a convenience, I want this to be 'in' with others - and when you go through the discipline of getting rid of half what is obvious is that in reality I do not need much. Today, I have much more than I will ever need.

So I divided my stuff in two. Later - once I was in Europe - I happened upon a second truth. Because of discipline earlier, I had space for a few things to bring back to give to friends. Because I had 'done with less' I had the chance to come home with more.

Over the years, I have found God to work in a like manner. When I make space in my life through sacrifice, God has the room in me to give more. God can bless others because there is room in my life for God, and the irony is that being a blessing for someone else gives me more joy than anything that I could pack my life with. Go figure...