Piloting Faith: It's a small world...and that's the problem

A Word for the Day...
In a conversation yesterday with a friend, she casually commented, “it’s such a small world, isn’t it?” I understood the context for her reference, but that phrase stood out to me this time. It’s such a small world. Actually, maybe that’s our problem. We are creating a small world.
We create a small world when we demonize immigrants.
We create a small world when we choose profit over sustainability.
We create a small world when we uphold racism to protect our privilege.
We create a small world when we pay unjust wages.
We create a small world when we demean women.
We create a small world when we fear change.
We create a small world when we oppress anyone else to keep our power.
This is the problem: we are creating a world that is too small. The world of our current making won't hold all of God's beautiful creation. It's a fear-based construct that benefits a few at the expense of the many. It won't let any of us thrive because a few of us are scared. It is a small world, after all. But I don't think God ever meant for it to be that way.
- Rev. Cameron B. Trimble, author of Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight!

Prayer for the Week
God of all that is good,
Today I seek not the passing rewards of recognition, power, and wealth, but your kingdom of love and justice. I turn again from self to follow the way of Jesus.
So, Holy One, may your kingdom come - in this world and in my life.
Direct my intentions and energies to the higher, enduring reality springing up all around me, pushing back the darkness. I'm desperate to discern where your Spirit is moving.
So, Holy One, may your kingdom come - in this world and in my life.
Even as I contemplate the kingdom Jesus came to announce, I am conscious of my own weakness and need. I want to stay on your path, but it's easy to lose my way.
So, Holy One, may your kingdom come - in this world and in my life. Make me new once more in You.
Amen.
(adapted from The Prayer Wheel by Patton Dodd, Jana Riess and David Van Biema)
