This past Thursday the Monterey Park pastors group met with the mayor of the city. It was refreshing to hear a committed Christian share his unlikely journey from a small town in Saskatchewan to having an office in the city council. I was impressed with his candor and honesty with the often grey and cutthroat world of political life, and how integrity and clear ethical boundaries were needed to survive without compromise.
But when we asked what it would mean for the churches to be more involved in the city, I don't think it was necessarily the "magic" answer that we may have expected. Perhaps we expected "the top" to have the best ideas and wisdom. Maybe we had thought it was going to be an easy "this is the most important priority for our city, please help us."
Instead, we got what is reminiscent of Jesus' words, "the first shall be last." Getting involved with various organizations like the PTA or city events was his main suggestion. Getting back to the grassroots, to our local neighborhoods. "But whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant" (Mark 10:43). Jesus said this in the context of the disciples jockeying for positions of influence. We too can be seduced by the desire for more influence and access to the corridors of the powerful, even as we seek the Kingdom in our city. So I liked that reminder that the way up is always down.
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