Globalization

Dr Woodroffe’s article on Globalization and Human Destiny stimulated a great deal of discussion. As the community responded to the article, several themes seemed to emerge.

Parallels between Globalization and the Development of the Inner Life of the Individual

There is a definite link between globalization and the spirit realm. It provides a picture of what should be occurring within the individual in the twenty first century. There is a freedom from inner restrictions that are not sanctioned by God. Just as unlimited access to information, the global market and different cultures allow individuals, businesses and nations to be quickly transformed, so too should the greater access to divine resources enable us to be transformed as God’s purpose becomes established in our lives.

With globalization, technology is advancing at a dizzying pace. One can be on the cutting edge of technology today and then find oneself lagging behind tomorrow. This pattern is true for the Kingdom as well. God is moving forward with such power that it is no longer possible to use ‘rightness’ today as a guarantee for accuracy and correct positioning tomorrow. Following after God requires daily adjustments in order to remain truly connected to the true vine (the life of God).

Globalization can Permeate our Lives Unconsciously

The globalizing power of the arts in shaping the mentalities and identities of a generation must not be underestimated. By accepting the removal of restraints and moral codes and condoning homosexuality and abortions one can participate in today’s global trends without conscious thought.

A striking difference between globalization of the world and that of the Kingdom is the role of choice and individual responsibility. The globalization of the Kingdom that grows first within our hearts must become an individual reality. We must consciously define ourselves as Kingdom-minded individuals who exalt the pure values of God’s preferred lifestyle and not engage in empty religious activities. We need to exhibit an alternative culture.

Globalization from God’s Perspective

The timetable of the Lord’s purpose is inextricably intertwined with developments in the earth. Part of the purpose of the end-time church is to be the executor of God’s judgment upon the systems of the earth.

The processes of globalization have unleashed great potential to facilitate Kingdom advance. The kind of restoration of the Church envisaged in Zech. 8-10 demands a globalizing context for its fulfillment.

Consider the concept of the glory of God covering the earth as the waters cover the sea. This seems accomplishable only in an age of modern technological advancement and enhanced communications. Zechariah also shows us the conditions that we are to maintain to facilitate God’s move.

The times are grim in the natural but very bright in the spirit and each new ‘world’ development must be examined for what it can offer for kingdom advancement.

We must remember that God caused light to shine out of darkness. So globalization and its removal of barriers should spell encouraging news to the people of the Kingdom as gross darkness must cover the earth for the light of God to be manifest in us.

In order for Jesus to return, the conditions and circumstances must be right, and that involves the coming together of His people – the Body of Christ – a people of one mind and heart from every nation on the earth.

Our Response – Role and Function

There is a sense in which globalization, if viewed as the aggressive outward expansion of individuals, cultures, nations, states and societies for economic gain and power has always been a part of human history. However, this movement has never before been so accelerated in time or so wide in physical scale.

What is our role and function in an environment at such a time as this?

The discussion offers the following for consideration:

• We can view Daniel as a pattern. He was responsible for administering a system of expansionism with all the death and destruction that entailed. Did he find some way to make this expansionism more humane through innovative systems and policies?

• We are competing in a system that has one objective - to make more money. In this system weak ones are stamped out. We must find strategies to allow increasing levels of growth without destruction. The key understanding necessary to attain this is that we employ unorthodox or un-Babylonian strategy and still win because we used God’s strategy.

• We need connection to our source. Daniel found direction through strategic and sustained connection with the Prophetic/Apostolic word of God spoken through Jeremiah. What will preserve us today is careful attention to the words we are receiving at EC and their consistent application to our lives.

• The Church must operate inside the world of commerce. Kingdom businesses are required for the fulfillment of this end. Like Daniel, we must study to become valid and competent participators in the world system. Our preparation is not for economic collapse, but for economic takeover. As Dr Woodroffe said many years ago, the Lord is mobilizing to break the enemy in one spot. The end of globalization then will be the ultimate triumph of the church.

• Our response to the forces of globalization must be to build community. Globalization is seen as a disintegrative, impersonal and anti-covenant element in the ordering of human affairs. We should be involved in developing internal structures accurately and living from a totally different value system while playing a full part in the world, as Daniel and Joseph did. We must remember the exhortation to be in the world but not of it.

• We must develop the ability to accurately discern and articulate the nature of the crisis in the world and identify practical real world solutions. For instance we can arrange opportunities for discussion of world issues etc. with other churches and organizations, as well as provide a resource pool of strength and encouragement.

• We must live and build in the world, while adhering to Kingdom and not world values. People like Daniel, Joseph and Esther did normal things – built houses, planted gardens yet still lived in ‘tents’. At some time they had to stand and deliver, deliberately stepping out and taking risks. It takes stern stuff, inner resolve and great creativity. As much as we have started to walk in this, we have only scratched the surface. Our internal configuration according to Kingdom patterns will make our difference powerful and effective; Babylon will fall and acknowledge the glory and excellence of the God we serve.