Luminous Living
“The very existence of a community living like that – scandalous as it appeared to many- was the sign to the watching world that something radically new had come about, a way of life that was attractive and vibrant even as, in social and political terms, it was costly and dangerous. “ [1]
Drawing attention to Paul’s words to the Colossians, authors N.T. Wright and Michael F. Bird outline a brief pilgrimage in political theology that brings readers to a place of wondering, how can Christians live in the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of life? In the book Jesus and the Powers, the authors note historical happenings that redefined religion through the philosophy of the Enlightenment, noting that worship of the gods in the ancient world was woven into every aspect of ordinary living but in post-enlightenment Western culture, religion was separated from everything. [2] If Christians are to live the embodied upside-down kingdom that Jesus modeled, why is it that followers compartmentalize, living as if Jesus is an add-on to their identity, like a condiment on a sandwich? A little bit of Jesus and a little bit of everything else.
I have always been fascinated by the Nordic and Native American cultures portrayed in books and media as spiritually integrated, where the spiritual aspect of their identity seems to be constantly woven into their thoughts and everyday lives. Holding medicine bags for protection against evil spirits, as depicted in Native American traditions, or contemplating the right sacrifice to offer to the gods in Nordic cultures, these actions reflect an awareness of a very real spiritual presence. In the portrayals of these cultures, the characters represent embodied personhood, keeping in mind the presence of the spiritual in their daily lives. What has happened in Western culture that has caused the unraveling of the once-woven worship of God into every aspect of life? Is it possible that we have forsaken a key aspect of our identity as followers of the one True God?
Kingdom work takes place through those who reflect God’s image. [3]
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” [4]
What if God’s people, myself, lived as one clothed with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? What if we lived luminously visible lives that looked odd to the world because we reflected Jesus? I strive to be scandalous in my apprenticeship to Jesus like that, through the power of the Holy Spirit. I praise God that He who began a good work in me will continue to do so until the day we meet face to face.
“The fact is that all Christians, whether as private citizens or as public figures, must be willing to ‘do God’ in public.” [5]
[1] N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (Zondervan, 2024), 67.
[2] Ibid, 70.
[3] Ibid, 84.
[4] Colossians 3:12-17, NIV
[5] N. T. Wright and Michael F. Bird, Jesus and the Powers: Christian Political Witness in an Age of Totalitarian Terror and Dysfunctional Democracies (Zondervan, 2024), 76.
About the Author
Cathy Glei
Cathy Glei serves as an instructional leader and pastor with over 27 years in education and ministry. She is dedicated to discipling others as they grow in their relationship with God, others and the world. Cathy has facilitated numerous professional development sessions, trainings, and workshops in both education and ministry. Passionate about supporting others in uncovering the Creator's design within them, Cathy lives in Michigan with her husband, Steve, and their eight-year-old Springer Spaniel, Otis. Cathy is a mother of three daughters and "Gooma" (grandma) to two adorable grandsons (emphasis on adorable 😊). She enjoys listening and exchanging laughter and stories with others, hanging out with friends, both old and new, as well as being outdoors, enjoying activities such as cycling, camping, hiking, and kayaking.7 responses to “Luminous Living”
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Cathy, your reflection on how Western culture has compartmentalized faith resonates deeply. The contrast you draw with Nordic and Native American traditions highlights a significant loss in how we live out our faith. The challenge you pose—to embody our identity in Christ holistically—serves as a powerful reminder of the vibrancy and cost of living under the Lordship of Christ. Your call to live lives that are luminously visible, even scandalous in their commitment, is both inspiring and convicting. Thank you for this heartfelt and thought-provoking post.
Cathy, you raise some great questions in your post, including “What if we lived luminously visible lives that looked odd to the world because we reflected Jesus?” I do agree with you that many Christians, in our culture in particular, live as if Jesus is “an add-on to their identity.” This of course includes the posture many American Christians take in their approach to politics or the public sphere in general. Your comments make me think about way Christ-followers are formed in the context of the local church. Do we have the theological/practical handles, as leaders (at least those who are directly or indirectly involved in Christian and leader formation), we need to help people to live the luminously visible lives that seem to be urgently needed in this current moment and beyond?
Hi Cathy,
Your post takes me in a new direction. Normally, I am thrilled by Christians shining their light in the world.
For instance, I have been an admirer and friend of Dr. Marc LiVecche executive editor of Providence Magazine. They write about themselves…Founded in 2015, Providence examines global statecraft with Christian Realism. We are inspired by Christianity & Crisis, the journal Protestant theologian Reinhold Niebuhr founded in 1941 to argue for the moral and geopolitical imperative of American leadership against totalitarian aggression. We believe American Christians have a special duty to interpret America’s vocation in the world today. We seek to uplift the best of historic Christian political theology, to foster wider conversation about spirituality in politics, and to create a community of serious Christian public thinkers serving America and the world.
For many years I have been traveling on the same path, dwelling on heady matters of state.
HOWEVER
I wonder, however, if political theology has distracted me from my “Kingdom work.” This morning I read an article “The Year of Elections Has Been Good for Democracy But the Biggest Test Will Come in America By Francis Fukuyama
September 4, 2024, in Foreign Affairs.
Normally, I would avidly read every word, but today at 0700 I am speaking with a pastor in Kenya to vet a Soccer coach who wants to work with GoodSports International (www.goodsportsinternational.org).
When I compare these two events I rediscover that my Return to JOY (RARE Leadership) is really in Loving God, Loving Kids, when necessary use sports.
Sigh, I have had a major shift in my priorities since my return from Slovakia, Ukraine and Hungary.
The impact that I have on the presidential election is negligible. Despites Fukuyama’s argument that the rise of authoritarian leaders are forcing real democratic debate, I wonder if my energies could best be used elsewhere.
Loving God, Loving kids and using sports when necessary.
Shalom
Good work Cathy. I love how you highlighted the contrast between spiritually integrated cultures and our often compartmentalized approach. It’s a great reminder that our faith should be central, not just an add-on.
The image of faith as a “condiment” rather than a central part of our lives is a powerful metaphor, and I may never think of ketchup or mustard the same again! 🙂
Cathy,
Your analogies are powerful. How much of our faith is woven luminously into our every day lives? Our American individualism is even apparent in our faith. Perhaps that is why there is such a falling away. Compartmentalization causes so many possibilities for hypocrisy. We so need to abide in Him daily!
Cathy, I am always inspired by how you so effortlessly (seemingly) steer your posts back to scripture. And I love the call to countercultural luminosity. Thanks!
Hi Cathy!
Thank you for your insightful reflection on your internship experience. One aspect that particularly stood out to me was your experience and desire to “do God.” My question is, what was the greatest challenge you faced during your internship as a minister or church leader in the effort to “do God,” and how did you overcome it?