There’s no such thing as ‘sustainable’
Had a couple of interesting conversations over the last week or so about the idea of sustainability - about what it means to be self-sustaining, particularly in terms of financial stability.
I don’t like it.
I don’t like the idea of being self-sufficient, self-sustaining or independent - either as a person, a project or a community.
Why?
1. Because I don’t believe it’s the best God has for us.
I don’t believe the Kingdom of God is a group of people who are all self-sustaining and independent. I believe the Kingdom is a radical picture of interdependence - demonstrating a radical dependency on God and on each other.
2. Because I don’t even believe it is possible, on a philosophical level, to ever be self-sustaining.
If there’s anything that can be said to be true about this life, it is that it is transitory. Stuff comes and goes. Sh*t happens. As the writer tells us in Ecclesiastes, everything under the sun will fade and die - even the sun itself only has another 5 billion years.
We are so reliant on God for everything, and our lives are only held together by his continuing grace. The only thing that is sustainable is God himself.
So I’d like to see us dare to be un-sustainable, in-sufficient, and interdependent, trusting God and each other to provide for us and to keep us going. Let’s grow projects which are designed to be unsustainable, and build interdependence and un-sustainability into our business plans. Let’s nurture community which demonstrates a radical dependancy on each other and on other communities outside of ourselves.
What do you think?
Planning missional projects - Resources vs. Needs
Thought I’d try out video blogging since I didn’t have any time to write anything for whilst I’m away on holiday. Enjoy.
