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It is quite often that I find myself driving north on I-75 to various destinations. And it is on this drive, just about 10 miles from Perry, that I see off in the distance what first appears to resemble the pearly gates. A few miles pass and I then wonder, “could it be a double rainbow opening just below the heavens?” I eventually arrive at exit 144 to realize, it’s not the pearly gates or a transcendent double rainbow. It is the Buccee’s gas station sign in all of her glory.
Buccee’s has quickly become the most popular spot for all of Middle Georgia’s interstate travel needs. Is it because of the 24 hour, clean (I repeat, CLEAN) gas station bathrooms? Is it because they have a beaver mascot, to entice anyone under the age of 5 to get a picture (as well as anyone over the age of 5)? Or might it be the strange chants that are repeated, while employees make barbecue sandwiches. Truth be told, it is probably all of the above. And to be honest, I’ve convinced myself of its greatness simply by typing this.
In many ways, Buccee’s has come to represent an ideal of American life. A secular heaven. Utopia in physical form. I mean, ask yourself, “how could a gas station get ANY better than this?”
In 1951, Richard Neihbuhr wrote a book called “Christ and Culture.” In this classic work, he detailed a number of different ways that Christians often go about dealing with the culture around us. But at the heart of it’s premise is this idea that God’s kingdom is not of this world, and our relationship to this world (and our current culture) ought to be notably different because of this truth.
Let me be clear - Buccee’s should be enjoyed in all of its glory. But, if God’s kingdom is merely convenience and clean bathrooms, we might be missing the mark.
Where is God’s kingdom and what might it look like, inside of a world that so often wants the kingdom, but doesn’t want the King. Let’s find out together!
Rob
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