Tropical Christianity

In the horn of Africa, on Hawaiian island, and in the isles of Jamaica, Christianity flourishes. In these places where tribalism survives in various forms, there are titans of Christ. There in the African plain and Jamaica many love Jesus, and radiate his Spirit. I have seen first hand in Africa the love of God manifest in the African people, their warmth, innocence, and simpleness (like child bible), struck me as something not found easily in West. In Hawaii at first glance it seems heathen, but there in a measure of paradise, there is a rest that permeates like the rest of Christ (Matthew 11:28). There is something of Trinity in the tropical and rural world of these contries. Coconuts, palm trees, bilboa trees, and music that sooths the soul all made by our Savior (John 1:3, Colossians 1:16). No worries makes many nervious in rat race, but the chilled back and slower pace I find is actually closer to Christ's words, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own," (Matthew 6:34), and "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matthew 6:25-31).

The warm and vibarant colors of these countries makes the heart sing, and how even old customns such as market day, with people hoisting up bundles of peaches and bannans makes the heart sing. God made food to make our hearts glad and to keep our furnace going. The simple necessities or "bear necessities," (Jungle Book) bring a great joy, and under a adobe or clay built house one eats the fair and enjoys the company of jovial, loving, and gentle people. Sometimes I think ambition and inventions have stolen something from us, they make us crave more and more, and when we are idle we consider it a sin, but what if its Jesus saying to storms of our life, "be still," (Mark 4:39) and "enter my rest,"(Matthew 11:28-29)? Certainly we can't spend every day wading in a turquoise pool, or talking to friends under a tent, but there is a time for everything, and season under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8). While there are serious matters at hand in the world, sometimes we need to take a page and hint from our Tropical Christian brothers and sisters. Take a load off, enjoy a Coconut drink, and let the breeze help you be at ease. There will be time to preach on rooftops or work at helping build a businesses, today enter the Lord's rest. Don't let yourself become overwhelmed by worries of tomorrow, for Jesus has instructed us to Trust Him and let tomorrow sort itself out.