This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad. Psalm 118:24. The Kingdom of Man.
Your Highness, we will now look at a Kingdom whose government is radically different from that of the Kingdom of God, the Kingdom of Man.
[I identify The Kingdom of Man as that area between heaven and hell, where some persons try to live on the edge and at the same time remain "respectable" where their religion is concerned. In fact, these persons have left their heavenly Father's home and are headed for the Kingdom of Satan. Their priorities are theirs and not our King's. "He who is not with me is against me, and he who does not gather with me scatters." Matthew 12:30]
The person who governs here (now known as the Ruler) was once a Monarch in the Kingdom of God. He allowed his Mind (Logic) to take the throne from his Heart (Love). The Ruler then redirected the treasures of the Kingdom of God from concerns for the Other to concern for his/her Project. The many laws here also reveal this place as the Kingdom of Man. Embracing life as a Ruler in the Kingdom of Man, is the cocoon in which one will eventually metamorphosise and emerge as the Devourer. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.2 The project is all that matters.
In the Kingdom of Man, what counts more than anyone or anything, what has more value than anyone or anything, is the Project, the success of the Project, the completion of the Project and the cost of the Project. Everyone and everything are secondary to the Project. Persons are not seen as the apple of God's eye, (1) as marvels who have been made less than a god, (2) but as workers for the Ruler's Project. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.3 The Project defined.
What is the Project? It can be anything. A Project can be as large as governing a country, or as small as doing the weekly shopping. For the Ruler in the Kingdom of Man, one thing it definitely is not- concern for the health, welfare and happiness of the Other, including concern for the health, welfare and happiness of self. Following are a few examples of what some Rulers have chosen as their Project, things he or she wanted at any cost:
[We need good works (projects), but for God's greater glory and the health welfare and happiness of the Other. In the Kingdom of Man, Rulers make Others slaves for their Projects, for their greater glory and at God's expense, for example:]
A mortgage. The Ruler says, "I don't care what your needs are, the mortgage WILL BE PAID in five years, no matter what!"
An education. The Ruler says, "I don't care what he wants, Michael WILL BE A LAWYER."
"Love." The Ruler says, "I don't care what you think, THIS MARRIAGE IS GOING TO WORK, and that is the end of that!"
Summer holidays. The Ruler says, "THIS WILL BE A PERFECT VACATION, so get with it!"
Washing the floor and making supper.
A child hurries home with a drawing of his Mom he made at school. His tiny fingers worked very hard, wanting to make her as lovely as he possibly could. His teacher complimented him for doing such beautiful work. He cannot wait to get home and show it to his Mother. Running into the house waving his pride and joy in the air, he shouts, "Mom?"
"Take off your shoes. I washed the floor!" she replies.
He stops dead in his tracks and returns to the entrance. Carefully laying his treasure on the floor, he takes off his shoes. Later, with less enthusiasm, he again brings his drawing to his Mom. He wants her to see what he did for her.
"Oh, that's nice," she says, "but Mother's busy making supper. Run along and play."
Puzzled and confused, he leaves. Her concerns for the floor and supper (Projects) are greater than her concern for her son (the Other).
If replies like this happen often enough, he may give up trying to love her or trying to do things for her. Eventually, he may find it is less painful to simply keep out of her way.
(How many times has my King, either personally or through others, wanted to show me something He did just for me? How many times did He want to be with me, just the two of us, alone? How many times did He want to love me? How many times did He want to teach me? How many times did He want me to do something for Him? How many times have I replied, "Don't bother me I'm busy with . . .")
Money. The Ruler says, "I don't care how many sacrifices we have to make, IN FIFTEEN YEARS I WILL HAVE $250,000.00. Period."
Work. The Ruler says, "I don't care what you have to do, THOSE REPORTS WILL BE READY ON TIME, no matter what! Got it?"
Politics. The Ruler says, "I don't care what has to be done, WE WILL STAY IN POWER, no matter what!"
Position. The Ruler says, "I don't care what I have to do, one day I WILL BE A SENIOR PARTNER, no matter what!"
Ambition. The Ruler says, "I don't care who gets in the way, I WILL RULE . . . and that is the end of that! Period!"
Some Rulers have small projects. Other Rulers have projects that are more ambitious. Some Rulers pursue one Project after another while other Rulers devote their entire life to a single Project. All Rulers will use anyone, anyway they can, to succeed in their Project. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.4 The conspiracy.
How did the Monarch (Heart) lose his throne to the Ruler (Head)? How did his obsession with a Project replace love and concern for the health, welfare and happiness of the Other? How did this beautiful person become an instrument for decrees, enforcement and punishment?
Using his manipulative skills, the aspiring Devourer (self-centered conceit), Serpent that he is, gradually and subtlety forges a scepter of legal might. Over time, under the guise of friendship, he makes several small, innocent recommendations to the Monarch. These he identifies as "little ways" to simplify the various processes of government in the Kingdom of God. "This would make life easier for everyone." he says. "Things would be more clearly defined." "This will take less time."
What he was really doing, however, was to replace a life-giving organism the Monarch was administering in his heavenly Father's name, with a sterile legal organization. The consequence of these continued subtle changes was a gradual transfer of power from the Monarch (Love) to the Ruler (law). Concern is shifting from focus on the Other to an obsession with the Project.
Having turned his heart from concerns for the Other to consider logic's proposals, the now vain Monarch has given a foothold to his archenemy. Stitch by stitch, Satan knits the cloth he will eventually use as his mantle, as his right to govern. The Monarch responded to the Tempter's proposals by allowing Logic the small concessions it asked for. Although they appeared harmless at the time, they were the first signs of the Monarch's upcoming separation from his Royal Confidante, Jesus. Over time, under the growing pressure of Logic, the Monarch begins to doubt, more and more, the advice given to him by the Holy Spirit. In the growing confusion that follows, he allows his Logic to replace his Heart and to play larger and larger roles in the decision-making process. At the appropriate time, the Serpent will make his move.
He (the Ruler) will claim that it is fitting and right that he rules and not the Monarch, since all the legal responsibilities of the Kingdom were on his shoulders. Of course they are. He put them there. To strengthen his argument, he explains that his knowledge of the law is far superior to that of the Monarch. This clearly shows he has the greater skills to govern and not the Monarch. His knowledge of the law is indeed superior to that of the Monarch, since he was the one responsible for its enactment.
No longer having a relationship with Jesus, logic no longer has access to Love, Life or Truth. Everything logic does is now conceived in darkness, is totally subjective and self-serving.
Without the Light of Love, logic has to create its own knowledge and/or use what he has seen or learned from other Rulers. Such information comes in all shapes and sizes, in different contexts, from different situations, from a thousand and one different project experiences. The Ruler now has the formidable task of trying to restructure and reintegrate this data into some kind of order that he can understand. This he will do by logically determining what he thinks man's priorities should be and what universal values he thinks are important for his purposes. From this warehouse of information, he will draw the data he needs to legislate and to rule. Logic's (the Head's) thoughts, however, are not God's (the Heart's) thoughts. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, my ways not your ways - it is Yahweh who speaks. Yes, the heavens are as high above earth as my ways are above your ways, my thoughts above your thoughts." (3) In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.5 Laws, laws and more laws.
In the Kingdom of Man, the Ruler (who has now replaced the Monarch) speaks only through rules, laws, statutes, prescriptions, policies, regulations, directives, ethics, codes, standards, and so on. These he arbitrarily enacts, proclaims, interprets and applies. The Ruler demands firm compliance, steadfast adherence to systems and so on. His obsession with the project generates a philosophy that promotes regimentation and uniformity, stifles life and creativity, stunts personal growth and discourages self-realization. Today's laws may be reversed tomorrow. Tomorrow's laws may be for one day only. Everyone (except the Ruler) is confused. The Ruler is never confused since he proclaims such laws and rules as needed and when needed.
The rule of right and wrong in the Kingdom of Man is very simple: the Ruler is always right and everyone else is always wrong. No one knows in what direction he or she is going, what he or she can do or what the cannot do. Everyone takes orders hour by hour and day by day. One way or another, his laws will permeate the environment and harness members of the Kingdom into doing only what he wants done. What happens when such an environment permeates the Kingdom? The growth and creativity of the hearts that dwell there are paralyzed. For some this will be sooner; for others it will be later. The Ruler in the Kingdom of Man has forgotten what Saint Peter tells us, "Never be a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can follow." (4)
30.6 Examples of laws, rules, and restrictions.
Once, I stopped at a certain store to buy a newspaper. While the cashier was counting out my change, I glanced at the merchandise on the shelves behind her. I saw several large handwritten signs, each blaring a rule for the store's customers.
"We reserve the right to inspect all parcels."
30.7 Ruler is judge and jury.
In this Kingdom (although appearances suggest differently), the Ruler is, in effect judge and jury. Monitoring the actions of others, he ensures that all comply with the law as decreed by him. He regards this as his sacred duty, because in so doing he will ensure the success of the Project which he says, "Is for the benefit of all members of the Kingdom." Referring to persons as "members" clearly identifies this voice as that of the Ruler.
Unless there is a limit to his term in office or unless the Ruler leaves, persons who live in this Kingdom have three choices.
1. They leave.
2. They resign themselves to their fate.
3. They spend the rest of their lives in hassles, confrontations and legal battles to overthrow him through some form of insurrection. This last choice is often very difficult if possible at all. Not to do anything is to slowly become slaves to every whim and fancy of the Ruler. Over time, he has structured the legal system to work in his favor. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.8 Use of force.
The Ruler, slowly but surely, increases his use of muscle to enforce his very demanding rules, his laws, his standards and his policies. Muscle does not mean simple brute physical force. It is much more subtle than that. He will use pressure of any kind and apply it in any way to use, control or manipulate another person for the sake of his Project. When all else fails, his favorite tactic is to simply forget that the Other exists. The Other is then abandoned and left to survive as best as he or she can. The purpose of the exercise is to teach others what's in store for them should they follow his or her example. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.9 Life in the kingdom of man.
In the Kingdom of Man, in spite of appearances to the contrary, subjects have lost all their basic freedoms: freedom to blossom, freedom to radiate one's own color and perfume, freedom to develop one's own very special talents, freedom to determine one's own priorities, freedom to make one's own choices- their right to surpass themselves and so on.
Matters that we normally take for granted as our birthright, the Ruler now identifies as privileges with limitations. In the Kingdom of Man enjoyment of life is directly related to one's commitment to the Project.
The Ruler distributes goodies and rewards to loyal subjects, not because of their personal achievements, but for their contribution to the Project. This he does with mechanical precision. Those who do not give their all for the Project he forgets. They no longer exist.
Because in this Kingdom the Project is all that matters, life's rhapsodical effervescence is transformed into one long, tiring largo of continued submission. The colors and perfume of one's unique individuality eventually fade into the drab gray and musty staleness of compliance and uniformity. The Ruler has replaced the excitement of spontaneity with the prosthetics of his laws because, "the chances of the Project succeeding are better." No matter what the disguise, in the Kingdom of Man, regimentation is the order of the day.
In the Kingdom of Man, persons cannot be themselves. They must continuously act out their feelings and emotions, pretending to be happy and satisfied, lest the Ruler becomes suspicious of their motives. Because of this, all discussions in this Kingdom are such that no one really believes what is said or says anything truly meaningful to anyone else. Lacking normal healthy human exchange has produced a sterile environment throughout the Kingdom. This Kingdom has become a pretentious world of make-believe. Relationships are nothing but a sham.
Persons who live in the Kingdom of Man are sad. They bear the pains of their labor in silence, for the Ruler has no compassion for anyone. Everyone knows that the Ruler is not really interested in them as persons, only as subjects and only for the sake of the Project. Obsessed with his Project, the Ruler wears a smile that is nothing but a mask of convenience.
Persons who live in the Kingdom of Man have resigned themselves to their fate. They know they are in a no-win situation. As long as he or she rules, they will only work for the Project. They will only live for the Project. The Project is all they will ever know. The Project will blossom while they as persons will shrivel. They punch in, do their job and punch out. Persons who live in the Kingdom of Man soon become robots. After a time, they no longer have the energy, nor the desire, nor the means to do anything else.
After years of working and living in such a Kingdom, persons retire with nothing to show for their labors except fatigue and old age. They have not blossomed in any way. They have not rejoiced in the years given to them. They have not lived fruitful lives. They have not made nor were they able to make personal contributions to improve the quality of life for others in their community. They have not shared in the joy and happiness of renewing and restoring creation in Christ Jesus. There is only yearning in their hearts, as they contemplate the time left until their departure- that day they will be free of the Ruler and his obsession with the Project. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.10 The weak, the fragile.
In the Kingdom of Man, there is no room for the weak, for the fragile or for those who need assistance.
In this Kingdom, if you cannot produce the number of units needed, you're on your own, regardless of who is responsible for your condition. The Ruler sees the sick, the very young, the elderly and any other members limited in any way, as embarrassing liabilities and a burden. They take up space and consume resources but do not contribute to the success of the Project.
"Put them away somewhere." He says.
Is someone ill? The first question the Ruler asks is, "Who will take his place on the Project?" "Who is on standby?" He has no questions about the state of health of the Other or whether his condition is serious or not or what kind of care he is receiving. In the Kingdom of Man, the Ruler has a job to do and he intends to get it done one way or another- regardless of human cost. His concern is only for the Project. All that matters is the Project. His first concern will always be, "Was the Project harmed?" In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.11 Sounds in the kingdom of man.
In the Kingdom of Man, there are no sounds of laughter, creativity, or celebration. All that one hears is the sound of construction on the Project. The Ruler initiates celebrations primarily to praise progress made on the Project. Persons participate partly from curiosity and partly from boredom. There is no real rejoicing. Events celebrating the growth of the Other are very rare; indeed even these the Ruler uses these as opportunities to promote his Project. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.12 Numbers in the kingdom of man.
In this Kingdom, the only number that counts, are the number of units that show progress on the Project. These he will cite at all appropriate occasions, since this is the yardstick he uses to measure his glory. Never would this person leave ninety-nine sheep on the hillside and go in search for the one stray. (5) "It just doesn't make sense." he says. "The numbers don't add up."
Our dear Lord would never be his financial advisor, not after seeing how He valued the widow's contribution to the treasury. (6) In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.13 Creativity in the Kingdom of Man.
Although there are many hearts (much Love, many dreams and visions) in this Kingdom, the Ruler's logic prevails. Persons living and working in the Kingdom of Man cannot think differently from the Ruler, they cannot dream differently from the Ruler, they cannot speak differently from the Ruler. There really is no meaningful dialogue. Consultation is not a part of the decision-making process.
If a member of the Kingdom questions, suggests, looks at alternatives or otherwise challenges his Project, he would no longer enjoy the favors of the Ruler. He views such boldness with suspicion and marks the individual as a potential traitor. The Ruler sees such a person as a threat to his authority and to his Project. The Ruler will keep this person at a safe distance, far away from his Project. The Ruler does not even want to see him. Should they continue questioning the Ruler's administration they would suffer the full penalties of the law, his law.
In the Kingdom of Man, the Ruler sees creativity by others as a threat to take control over the Project. The Ruler aggressively discourages creativity. "If you're going to be creative," he says, "don't do it here. I have a Project to complete."
Because of this, monotony, routine, repetitiveness, boredom and time weigh heavily on all. God, with all His Life, Love, Truth, Beauty and Creativity, has been put on hold. Only the Ruler rejoices in diversity of interests as he pursues his different ways to make his Project a success. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.14 Blame in the Kingdom of Man.
When anything goes wrong with the Project in the Kingdom of Man, you can be sure someone is going to get it. The Ruler is never at fault. Because of this, persons in the Kingdom of Man live in apprehension. Blinded by his own self-esteem, he is unaware of what everyone else knows, "the head is responsible for where the feet walk." When something does go wrong, the Ruler makes difficult living and working conditions still more difficult. He makes a mass of rules and regulations more complicated with more rules and more regulations. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.15 Storms in the Kingdom of Man.
In the Kingdom of Man, the sun rarely shines. One storm follows another. Ominous clouds always fill the sky. Lightning and thunder (arguments, anger, discord, attitudes of "laissez faire" etc. fill the Kingdom. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
30.16 Forgiving in the Kingdom of Man.
In the Kingdom of Man, the word forgiveness does not exist, for forgiving is an act of the heart. Our King says, "Forgive your brother from your heart." (7) Because Logic rules this Kingdom (and not the Heart), it is impossible for the Ruler to forgive. He simply does not know what you're talking about. With the Ruler it's not a question of forgiveness; it's a question of someone breaking the rules and receiving the prescribed punishment. "We have to set an example," he says. In the Kingdom of Man, words from the Ruler's mouth paralyze life and creativity in the Other.
Kingdom of Man, Summary.
30.17 The Monarch.
In the Kingdom of Man, the Monarch is no longer in control of his will; consequently, he no longer reigns from the throne. Not having any authority or power, he sits to the left of the Ruler. The Ruler allows him to be present, only because his heart has not yet hardened enough to remove him completely. Should the Ruler continue in his ways however, this will eventually happen. Blinded by his own logic and false pride, the Monarch must have his sight restored; otherwise, he will never govern again as a child of God in his or her Father's Kingdom.
- 30.18 False pride, blindness.
Once in an experiment at a retreat, I had the tables and chairs in the church basement turned this 'way and that 'way, strewn the length of the church basement. We created a formidable obstacle course.
I then asked a young father to come to one end of the hall. A blindfold was placed over his eyes. A cane (like those used by the blind) was placed in his hands. His instructions were simple. Blindfolded and using your cane, lead your family through this mess of furniture, from one end of the basement to the other. The other members of the family did not wear blindfolds. This exercise was to symbolize how some persons live their lives. Obviously this was going to be a long, complicated, dangerous, discouraging undertaking for everyone. His own family saw his efforts and his approach as dangerous and completely unnecessary. If he didn't wear a blindfold, it would be a "piece of cake." He stubbornly resisted their urging, claiming he had everything under control, thanks to his trusty cane (logic). How ridiculous.
Wearing a blindfold and finding his way using a cane and leading his family behind him, meant it took hours to go from one end of the hall to the other. If he moved too quickly, he increased the risk of danger for himself and the others.
I then asked another family to do the same, except this time the father would use his own eyes (loving concern for the Other) and the lights in the hall (Light of Christ). This father (without the need for a cane/logic) completed the task in mere minutes. He completely circled the obstacles (dangers of this world) with no risk to members of his family, no matter how many persons he had to take with him. Life was not going to be painful, complicated and difficult for him or for them.
Yet like the man with the cane, many of us have chosen to take that approach to life. First, we say, "No" to the guiding Light of Jesus. Then, wearing our blindfold (pride), we use our cane (logic) to deal with the strewn furniture (challenges of life). We move slowly, painstakingly, first this way then that way, two steps forward and one step back. Precious years are spent living through one needless disappointment after another, hitting one obstacle after another, suffering heartbreak after heartbreak after heartbreak. Though others do not suffer from their leader's blindness (families, employees, public servants or citizens), he nevertheless forces them to suffer the same consequences. Such persons impose on themselves and on others needless difficulties, complications and dangers, hurting many along the way. This is how the Ruler uses his brain to succeed in the world, to raise his family, to run his organization, to govern his country. What a tragedy!
Life's beautiful adventure has now become one long tortuous journey of hardship. The alternative, Jesus (His Light, His Truth and His Way) is so simple! With Christ, we easily find our way through all barriers, obstructions and obstacles. Like the blind man of Jericho, this Ruler must go to the roadside (Church) and shout with all his heart, "Lord! Have pity on me, Son of David." He must not stop shouting (no matter how many tell him to keep quiet). Then, Jesus will call him over and ask, "What do you want me to do for you?" With a broken and contrite heart he will answer, "Lord, let me have my sight back." (8) Jesus, feeling pity for him, will touch his heart and restore his sight. He will no longer live with his cane (logic). Throwing it away, he will assume his place on the throne and with his heart, in full vision he will govern in Christ Jesus for the greater glory of his heavenly Father.
[If we only knew how blind we are because of the pitch-black darkness of sin in our lives and in this world- we would tremble constantly, not wanting take one step without the hand of Christ to guide us.]
30.19 The Royal Confidante.
Our dear Lord respects the freedoms and rights of others. With a sorrowful Heart, He will allow the Monarch to reject His Love to embrace his own false pride. The Royal Confidante will not get involved in the affairs of the Kingdom of Man, but He will protect and strengthen His own (Hebrews against Pharaoh). In the end, after logic has exhausted itself ("Herod is now dead.") (9) which it eventually must do, He will return with a new Monarch and put things in order again.
30.20 Logic.
Cerebral rule has taken over the throne, because the Monarch (from time to time) gave in to false pride. Gradually, under the Tempter's constant interventions, prompts from the heart seem to be more and more nonsensical. (Notice similarities with the first temptation.) Logic was allowed to elbow its way (force) to the decision-making table. The Monarch is not skilled in arguing with logic. It is a foreign language for him since his native tongue is that of Love.
In trying to understand anything, logic is doomed from the very beginning. Logic sees information with its own reason, which is necessarily pitch-black darkness. Logic does not have the Light of Love. Only Love generates Light with which one can gather knowledge. Only Jesus can generate Light since only Jesus is Love. Jesus says, "The lamp of the body is the eye. It follows that if your eye is sound, your whole body will be filled with light. But if your eye is diseased, your whole body will be all darkness. If then the light inside you is darkness, what darkness that will be." (10)
30.21 The Enforcer.
The Ruler has given the Monarch's physical attributes and strength a new role, that of the Enforcer. Consequently, muscle now occupies a new position in the power structure and sits to the right of the Ruler.
30.22 The Royal Flag.
Paralysis and sterility are the flags that identify the Kingdom of Man.
30.23 The bottom-line.
How are you using the gifts given to you by your King? How are you ministering God's Love? What have you done with all the Treasure Heaven has given you? Is the time Heaven now gives you, focused on the welfare and happiness of other Persons or on the construction of your Project(s)?
If you even suspect that you are more concerned about the success of a project, than the happiness, health and welfare of God's children- yourself, your spouse, your children, your brothers and sisters- stop whatever you are doing, return to your King's side, repent and take your rightful place with Him in His Kingdom.
Footnotes.1 Deuteronomy 32:10
- 2 Psalm 8:5
- 3 Isaiah 55:8-9.
- 4 1 Peter 5:3.
- 5 Matthew 18:12-14.
- 6 Mark 12:42
- 7 Matthew 18:35.
- 8 Mark 10:46-52.
- 9 Matthew 2:19
- 10 Matthew 6:22-23.