Of Candyland & Gotham

Posted on 22. Oct, 2009 by Brett in God

I think I’m called to change the world. I really do. And I think you are too.

See, most of us here in America have forgotten that. Our world is pretty darn good. Flawed–sure–but not in need of a whole lot of change. Our world is like Candyland. In Candyland, kids hiding in attics and looney dads is BIG news. But the real world is more like Gotham City–dark, morally smoggy, run by bad guys with guns. Very different news there. If you think I’m lying, google the words genocide or Taliban or child trafficking. Or try orphans, starvation, malaria.

We live in a country that allocates $11 billion of our wealth to our lawns per year.

We live in a country that dispatches $20 billion in cash towards the purchase of ice cream annually. Very Candyland-ish.

We live in a country where the sum of all the bar tabs in all the bars on a single Friday night would cure many of the world’s ills. Hmmm….

Such wealth.

I love America. I love our capitalism. It works. But I’m afraid it’s blinded me to the problems in Gotham Jesus talked so much about. I’ve had my head stuck up my sugary, Candyland butt for so long, and I think God is just now starting to pull it out.

This is not a guilt trip.

It’s a reality check.

(What are you doing to change the world? Let us know in comments.)

2 Responses to “Of Candyland & Gotham”

  1. Ryan Detzel

    24. Oct, 2009

    This is where the Micah reminder comes in – “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8

    Or how about James 1:27? “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

    I would say that “the world” in this verse is the Candyland world you’re speaking of. Having a mission helps with this. I’ve been to third world countries several times and it’s a nagging reminder that Gotham City exists.

  2. Pam A.

    25. Oct, 2009

    I find it interesting that I read this tonight after a presentation on missions at church this morning. My 10 year old has always been intrigued by the food pantry ministry at church. This rekindled her interest, and she wants to get involved.

    So how am I changing the world? Don’t know really that I am. But if I can foster my 10 year old daughter’s love for missions, then one day she may be the one that makes the world different.

Leave a Reply