Orlando Dillon.
Paul refers to the believers as saints in Christ. The role of the saint now is seen as a special type of person with excellent qualities that help others. Orlando certainly befits the term. Find out about his Kidz Hub initiative through the link.
I had the huge benefit of making his acquaintance through my beloved wife. She hailed him as a man of great standing. It was something to realise she had actually underestimated him! What I love about him, is how grounded he is and how aware he is of his limitations and failings, and yet chooses to live in the fullness of the abundant gifts and abilities God has given him. It is a true privilege of mine to call him friend.
We were conversing recently and talked about one of my favourite subjects – church. It was during that conversation that I came across a really neat way of explaining my situation where that’s concerned.
It’s time I came out.
Not so much coming out of the closet. More coming out of the wardrobe.
As we conversed it occurred to me that sometimes we limit who God is. Something that helps with that is our approach to denominations. In my case the denomination was like a wardrobe. As you may be aware, the wardrobe is an important part of a bedroom. It holds the clothes and other important bits and bobs that need to be properly organised.
It is an important part of the room – but it is not the room. Indeed it is not the home. It is just a part of the room, which is just a part of the home.
What happened, however, was that I got stuck in the wardrobe. The thinking was that the wardrobe was all there was to know. Of course in the Home of God, He has a lot more to offer than just the wardrobe.
Discovering the fullness of Christ in the world, will take a mentality that goes beyond the wardrobe. It requires venturing away from the wardrobe, acknowledging the room, and acknowledging that there is even more to the home than the room.
Exploring all there is to the home, also means embracing how God impacts life far beyond what we consider. It involves seeing how the Kingdom of God makes its home in a variety of cultural contexts and as a result has a variety of expressions. These expressions can be highly useful in informing us as to the nature of God and how through Jesus He makes His mark on the world.
I appreciate the wardrobe and the role it plays in the room in the home. I appreciate the function it has and will not deny its place. I am grateful likewise at being able to explore what the home has to offer, and growing in knowing who the Householder is.
I’m grateful for friends like Orlando Dillon whose approach to disciple-making and living out Kingdom values inspires me and shows the joy and beauty in exploring the Home. My hope is that others too will be able to enjoy the Home of God and those looking on will see how great the Householder is, and find their home in Him.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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