| Hacking the Kingdom

A quick overview of the book.

Serve God over mammon.

Christians must become less possessed by “things” and more awakened to how God can use “things.”

“There is misery, says Richard Foster, when people lack provision; but there is also misery when they try to make a life out of provision.” (217-218)

God isn’t merely anti-materialism.  God wants us to use our materials for the kingdom.  [more…]

“Purity of heart is to will one thing.”  Kierkegaard

We’re generally busy without any clear purpose.

Money is addictive and generates anxiety.

“To confuse having with being is to worship the gift rather than the giver, fragments of creation instead of the Creator.”
“Mammon makes a terrible master, but a magnificent servant.”

Pleasure is good and created by God.  Pleasure becomes idolatrous when we make it our goal rather than a byproduct.

God likes kenoic power.  Power can be easily corrupted.  Not using your power for good in the face of injustice is also a form of evil.

Capitalism has produced both wealth and the gap between the rich and the poor.  With great wealth comes great responsibility.

It’s hard to know where to draw the line.  Yet, we can always receive blessing by giving.

Our indulgence can actually prevent nourishment of others.  We can actually not indulge and give money to organizations that help.  It requires personal and public efforts.

Such small things done in wealthy, industrial companies through government policies can have enormous impact on developing world poverty.

There are two conversions, according to DT Niles, one from the world to God and then again to the world, but this time with the heart of God.  That is saying “yes” to life.

We need to find space to praise and thank God and not just worry about the problems of the world.

Don’t settle for less than the kingdom God has in store for us.