Biblical exposition
Keller explains that humanity was created to live with God at the centre, to love one another and to care for creation. When humanity rejected God’s authority, relationships became damaged: between nations, social classes, races, families and friends.
Illustration – A solar system with everyone at its centre
Keller compares human relationships to a solar system. A functioning solar system has one centre. If every planet tried to become the centre, the result would not be an orderly solar system but a collision.
In the same way, when every person is preoccupied with their own needs, desires and importance, relationships become unstable. Even apparently self-sacrificing behaviour can be rooted in self-interest, such as acting out of fear, cowardice or a desire to be needed.
Tim Keller in Living in Community
Illustration’s point:
Genuine community is impossible when everyone is centred on themselves. A healthy community needs a shared centre beyond the individual: God.
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