Fallen Into Knowledge

“Don’t do…”  “Avoid…” Refrain from…”  “Guard against…”
Are we fixated on sin as a church?  How many sermons do we preach about living righteously?  About Enacting the Kingdom?  How often do we look forward at the righteous life toward which we are called?  We are constantly admonished to flee sin, but I am afraid that we are not shown the place toward which we run.  Like the proverbial driver with his (or her, of course) eyes fixated on the rear-view mirror, we seem to think that by avoiding sin righteousness will be achieved.  But is righteousness just the absence of sin?  I hope not.  Rather righteousness is a presence.  How rarely do we articulate that presence.  Why do we not, instead of always urging people to run away (to anywhere?!)  - urge people, invite people, to run toward righteousness.  How about we articulate a vision of a kingdom-like community and invite people toward that?  We might be more successful.  We will be more enticing.