conversation

The stillness of the early morning allows for the mind and heart to be clear. That occured again early this morning in the barn with the cows. My mind wandered through a number of conversations that I either observed or in which I participated in the past weeks. Our conversations reveal a good deal about the condition of our heart, about the paradigms to which we hold.

There was the conversation in my truck almost two weeks ago. The Vice President of Reasearch and Development in the company for which I work spent an afternoon with me. We talked about cattle nutrition, our dreams, and life in general. All the while the theme of the kingdom of God wove its way throughout the conversation. There was a conversation yesterday with Karisa at breakfast. We discussed the brokenness we encounter in the world; sin and how we so often miss the good things God has for us. Last weekend our conversation with Justin touched on community and seeing people for the way they really are. These were kingdom conversations, all dealing with issues in the realm of God. They were heart conversations with deep emotions present in every interaction.

I also observed conversations in the past several weeks, conversations between Christians. Please do not hear what I am going to say as criticism. I am simply sharing my observations. These conversations were much more shallow. There was much talk about the church service, the quality of worship, and various programs. Lest you think I am being critical, I must confess that for many years of my walk with God, these themes dominated my interaction with God and with others.

In the stillness of the morning this morning, my mind reflected on these various conversations. I had to wonder if perhaps our fascination with the trappings of church provide a cheap substitute for the real thing. Might we be too consumed with the success of our churches that we are missing the point? Might the activities of church be a replacement of the more important things in the kingdom of God? As Jesus put it - the weightier matters of justice, mercy, and faith.