What is the “kingdom” that Jesus talks about? Where is it located? How long does it take to get there? What is the official language? The currency? The colors of the flag and the tune of the national anthem? When Jesus refers to this place we think tangible location and visible arrival, yet his descriptions cause conundrum and provide little in terms of clarity and description.

It’s paradox really. In his sermon on the mount, Jesus claims, “blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”… Poor in spirit? Meek? These people inherit the kingdom? In my world the strong rule and the proud conquer. They take by force and maintain in the same way.

Howard Schultz’ vision had two purposes: creating a great work environment and producing “the best coffee experience possible.” Starbucks was born. “Jerry Maguire” centered on a sports agent struggling with his own purpose and direction in a life that screamed, “Show me the money!” Rick Warren’s “Purpose-Driven Life” has sold over 24 million copies, shattering records at every turn. Best-seller lists, song lyrics, institutional mission statements, and movies all indicate that we increasingly think about this idea of purpose.

Perhaps we’ve allowed this question to lapse for too long. Well-established traditions, cultural patterns, and social routines make us think we’ve answered this question. To ask it again is unnecessary at best, and irresponsible when doing so demands any resource of time. Life’s expected duties await: school, work, family, success.

It’s not about being good.

 

Nor giving all you own to the poor.

Nor working hard.

 

Seriously.

Honesty, integrity, morality, honor and respect don’t make the cut, either. It’s not putting food on the table, or earning a degree or succeeding in the work place.  These may be good, but they’ll never grant us purpose.

Hundreds of years ago a Roman centurion approached a rabbi on the street, cornering him with two questions, “Who are you?” and “Where are you going?” 

 

“How much money do you make?” responded the Rabbi.

Taken aback, the soldier responded with some normal sum. The rabbi offered to double the soldier’s income if he would stand outside his door and ask him those questions every day.

Despite our widespread and deep-seated notions of perfection, it is not what we think. We look at perfection as having to do with a great veneer – don’t smoke, curse, drink, wear baggy clothes, see R-rated movies, sleep late or spend too much money.

Jesus never saw perfection in these. He emphasized loving enemies, turning evil on its head by responding with and in love, honoring marriage, and reconciling with debtors. Jesus viewed life, and the perfection of it, in entirely relational terms.

This is an important distinction to grasp. In our world, perfection always denotes a degree of achievement or performance as measured by and against others. But Jesus understood perfection more fully and more clearly: it isn’t just about some performance in competition with others, but in our relating with others. To borrow from a political phrase, “It’s the people, stupid.” How do we treat them? How do we serve them? How do we consider them ahead of ourselves? How do dispense mercy, kindness, gratitude, generosity, grace? Do we live about and for others, especially the Lord?