The latest neurological
research suggest that one person’s thoughts can control another person’s movements.
Psychological research already had proven the connection between conscious, subconscious
and unconscious mind. The western world
glorifies freedom and liberation as a political and social system and the
Eastern world glorifies freedom and liberation as core values of who we are or
our innate being. The disconnection happens prominently in this core
fundamental difference. Here in this conversation, I love to bring to your
thought about the paternalism that it is not God’s mission strategy.
Ayurveda which
means the science of life, 5000 years old system of natural healing is based on
the fundamental principle of creating a harmony between the body, mind and
spirit. Maintaining the balance prevents illness, treats acute conditions, and
contributes a long and healthy life. A journey inward is necessary for
journey outward. The same principle is true for a sustainable mission model.
Paternalism is
defined as a policy or practice of treating or governing people in a fatherly
manner, especially by providing for their needs without giving them the rights
or responsibilities. In other words, giving them the fish and not allowing them
to learn how to fish. Often the mission or training in mission is understood as
the success of the project and not as a process. Mostly mission is visible by building
a house, building a bridge or feeding the poor or starting an orphanage. There is nothing wrong with this, but think
about it, Is this a sustainable model of mission? No… not at all…giving the
people money to start a new business without involving with them in the
process. In most of the cases this will only lead to more consumption and more
dependence. Autonomy on the other hand
is generally regarded as the fundamental right of individuals to shape their
own future through voluntary action.
Good parenting is
fostering your child's independence. Children push for independence because it
is part of human nature to want to feel in control rather than to feel
controlled by someone else. Sometime this drive for independence is
misunderstood as disobedience.
Since last two
decades, I am involved with God’s mission in my own humble ways in different
parts of the world especially in the Indian subcontinent. I believe the
fundamental heavenly principle for God’s mission in the world is not
paternalism. The root cause of
our program is that we don’t connect the great commission with great
commandment. Love your neighbor as yourself and therefore go and make disciples
of all nations. It can also be understood as the invitation to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.
Our journey with
God in the mission is to inspire people and to create this world a better place
or make it very good of God’s good creation. Missio Dei, is the idea that God is actively
working to restore the creation to wholeness. Many times we take it for granted
to own God’s mission as our mission and we create underdogs and venerability. This was against Jesus' example of mission. This is where the importance of native missionary and their long term influence come to play. Remember the infancy phase is limited in many ways but there are many other exciting phase in life like, childhood, teenage, adulthood, old age etc. It is true with God's mission.
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