3. The Fourfold Nature of Shalom

The fourfold nature of shalom involves four key relationships--our relationship with God, with each other, with the created order, and within ourselves. THIS EPISODE’S HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:I was involved in Campus Crusade for Christ when I was in college.  When I learned to share the Four Spiritual Laws, I was told, “Don’t focus on abundant life.  Just focus on eternal life.”When God created the world, it was in a state of shalom.Shalom refers to a comprehensive state of well-being that touches every aspect of life.When God created the world, the world experienced the fourfold nature of shalom: Between God and peopleBetween people and each otherWithin human beings themselves–a kind of inner shalomBetween human beings and the creationBut shalom was broken in all four of these ways.  The fourfold nature of shalom was broken:Between God and people Adam and Eve hid from GodBetween people and each other They saw their nakedness and no longer felt safe with each otherWithin human beings themselves They now felt shameBetween human beings and the creation Childbirth would be painful and the earth would no longer produce without toilGod wants to restore shalom in all four of these ways Between God and people Jesus sacrifice makes restoration of shalom with God possibleBetween people and each other No more war, violence, racism, classism, injustice, poverty, etc.Within human beings themselves God wants to heal our shameBetween human beings and creation Caring for creation is not a liberal or conservative thing; it’s a matter of stewardshipWe are called to participate with God in God’s mission of shalom.  We are called to join God in restoring the fourfold nature of shalom. RELEVANT RESOURCES AND LINKS:Campus Crusade for Christ Website:  https://www.cru.org/Twitter:  @crutweetsFour Spiritual LawsFlourish San Diego Website:  https://flourishsandiego.org/Twitter:  @FlourishSDAmy Sherman discusses the fourfold nature of shalom in her book, Kingdom CallingTo leave a review of Spiritual Life and Leadership: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spiritual-life-and-leadership/id1435252632— Links to Amazon are affiliate links.  If you make a purchase through any of these links, I’ll receive a small commission–which will help pay for the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast!Send me a text! I’d love to know what you're thinking!Click HERE to get my FREE online course, BECOMING LEADERS OF SHALOM.