Wherever I’ve lived
I’ve enjoyed walking through my neighborhood and chatting with neighbors I run into along the way.
It’s become harder over the years… as neighbors keep more to themselves than they used to… but I’ve found trying to engage those who live around me is still worthwhile.
Most times I don’t get a chance to talk with anyone… but this morning’s walk was fruitful.
… I learned the best way to paint an old propane tank from my neighbor who works for Rustoleum.
… And I discovered some interesting things about life in Bogota from a neighbor raised in Columbia… (I was able to share some advice regarding his malfunctioning sprinkler system as well).
Thinking about the neighbors reminds me of something I’ve been meaning to pass
on...
…The Dominion Mandate is for ALL humanity — including your neighbors…
… So it makes sense to get to know them…
… There’s probably some way your neighbors can be of help to you… and you can be of help to your neighbors…
… But you’ll never know how unless you get to know
them.
Now… getting to know your neighbors can be hard these days…
… Just one block can have so many different beliefs and lifestyles and values!
So how do you connect?
… Especially, when you don’t seem to have much in common?
Well…
You can start by remembering that you are both made in God’s image.
And — of course — you can approach your neighbor knowing you are both designed for dominion.
And… if that fails… you can always ask God to show you how to apply the second greatest commandment… which is, “You shall love your
neighbor as yourself” (Mt.22:39).
At a time with so much division, engaging your neighbor as a co-laborer in the Dominion Mandate might be one of the more constructive things you can do.