Improve your vision and become a vessel for optimization
Since restaurants in North America are restricted to takeout only due to the epidemic, there are a lot more plastic containers and aluminum foil boxes at home. Bring food home and enjoy delicious food with only a little effort, why not? But I am also worried that hot soup in plastic containers will have chemical effects; soup and noodles will become mushy when soaked together; various side dishes are packed in a box and, after bumping in the car, violate the isolation regulations and form a group of unknown monsters. Tasty platter!
Over the past year or so, the world has still been enveloped by the new coronavirus, and the epidemic has changed people's living habits and perspectives. Taking dining out as an example, the catering industry no longer only pursues the experience of providing customers with delicious food in restaurants, but also focuses on how to bring delicious food to their homes.
The quality and design of takeaway boxes are key to keeping food fresh. Many restaurants have developed a variety of unique and optimized takeout containers. For example, a two-layer waterproof paper container is used to separate noodles and soup so that people can heat it at home; Jiugongge comes with a box to pack different side dishes, etc. It is creative and environmentally friendly, and you can take the food home to enjoy. It is delicious but not at a discount, which makes people feel the sincerity of the merchants.
The takeout boxes in the restaurant remind me of, in this rapidly changing era, how do we present God’s teachings and grace? Are the ways we were accustomed to in the past still meeting the needs of this generation? Does the person you and I call a divine instrument need to keep pace with the times, be updated and optimized?
"Kingdom of God" has also been pursuing the optimization of the content and layout of the magazine, because every article is a sincere professional sharing and life testimony from the author, interviewee, text organizer, editor, art editor, and executive editor... . We sincerely pray for and thank each writer, and humbly ask the Holy Spirit to lead us to share God's revelation and power with readers in a high-standard presentation, because He deserves it.
Even amid the various restrictions of the epidemic, according to God's will, we realize the need to step out of the box, broaden our horizons, and then take action. The introduction to the Knowledge and Action unit (page 19), "The answer to the question 'What do you see?' lies not only in facts, but also in perspective, interpretation, and response," tells the theme of this issue.
Beginning with the stewardship unit "Light, Shine Before Others", look at the author's journey of faith to become a leader in the corporate world over the years. Looking at images and interpretations from the Knowledge and Action Unit "ABC of Visual Arts"; "Artists Who Architect the Land of Dreams" looking at the hardships of immigration and God's promises; "Restart, Reset, or Upgrade?" 〉Look at the relationship building after the epidemic is lifted. From the family unit's "New Theological Daily Life", we can see salvation from a more complete perspective; from the neighbor unit's "Love India with the Heart of Heavenly Father", "Reaching Out to Rescue the War in Northern Myanmar", and "Beautiful Footsteps in the Busy Streets" In the three reports, we will look at how to care for our neighbors with a gentler attitude and more positive actions.
Just like the last sentence of the introduction to the knowledge and action unit in this issue, "What do you see at the intersection of the horizontal axis of the times and the vertical axis of truth?" I hope that through the articles in this issue, our thoughts will be challenged and our hearts will be enlightened. Reflect, improve your horizons, step outside the limitations, and take action.
Executive Editor of this Journal Wu Xinhui