rethinking traditional

There is a concept that goes along with being a missionary outside the US that I think is extremely interesting. A missionary does not bring their American lifestyle to a foreign group of people and expect those people to adapt to them. The missionary adapts to the culture they enter. If we, as Christians (or followers of Christ to be more specific), look at our blocks, streets, neighborhoods, and cities as a mission field to which we need to adapt.... how would things change?

Now, all the religious people need to breathe. That last question may have sent all the *King James Bible quoters into a frenzy! (I'm poking fun, here.... relax.) But I honestly believe there is a danger to a traditional mindset that has seemed to rule in much of Evangelicalism (churches, denominations, organizations that claim Jesus as Lord). This mindset seperates 'us' (Christians, saved by grace) and 'them' (those outside faith in Christ). One part of this 'mindset' is a vicious tornado of controversy that never ends... it may go away now and then, but it will always return. And this is the Romans 12:2 "...do not be conformed to this world..." issue.

{I call it an issue because of all the division and destruction that has been left in the wake of a bunch of well-intentioned people.... (along with some knuckle-headed, arrogant ones) that have preached a seperation gospel. With the idea that I said "the prayer", now there is a list of things I don't do.... don't cuss, don't drink beer, no tattoos, no rated "R" movies (unless their about the crusifixion of Christ), etc. No doubt the seperation gospel has led many to believe themselves better, or holier than others... I've been there myself.}

This is the area where Christians have earned the 'intolerant' label in a big way! **Is it any wonder the homosexual community hates or shuns the 'Christian' community? We concentrate on their actions and forget about their souls.... not to mention Westboro Baptist Church (this the 'god hates fags' church in Kansas). And this is just one example.

Those of us saved by God through the death and resurrection of Jesus are on mission to our immediate environements: where we work, eat, buy food, worship, live, etc. Jesus commanded his disciples in Matthew 28, better known as the Great Commission, to go and make disciples of all nations. He did not say to go and create cliques or personal bubbles to hide in... only to come out and throw a Bible verse at the 'world' like an olympian would throw a javelin.

So what sort of missionary are you and I?

 

*I have no issue with the King James version of the Bible. I own one and believe it to be the inspired Word of God.

**I do not condone or defend the homosexual lifestyle. I believe Scripture is clear about that lifestyle, but I am concerned that other sins, such as gluttony, are ignored for the most part.

 

 

 

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Cardboard signs... a follow up

Its raining today. I'm sure you and I know what its like to be out in the rain and the relief you might feel as you duck into a store, or fumble with your keys to get your front door open to a dry & warmer atmosphere.

As I set my windshield wipers to a certain delay setting do I stop and think about that person who, is holding a cardboard somewhere, is gathering their precious few belongings just to get underneath a bridge...

I take a lot for granted.

Maybe when it rains I should get in my car and go find someone stuck in the rain... someone I can buy a warm cup of coffee, and hopefully offer some Hope.

"...as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." --Jesus

Cardboard signs

On my way home from work last night I had to stop and fuel up my car. Getting off the freeway I was sitting at the light and noticed the man in a winter jacket and beanie holding a cardboard sign that read 'have a nice day'. I wasn't there but a few seconds, the light changed, and I was on my way.... but I was thinking about what Jesus said in Matthew 25:

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
   I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
(Matthew 25:36-40 ESV)

I was thinking about some of the excuses I've heard (and I've used) for not helping one of these people that brave busy intersections.

-"He's probably just a con man. I heard about a study once where they found out some of these guys make like $60,000 a year!"

-"If I give them money, they'll probably just go buy booz with it."

-"Get a job, buddy."

There are plenty of religious reasons to not help these people, and if we're being real.... whats the difference between a panhandler buying cheap vodka with a few dollars given to him to support his habbit and me buying coffee, chocolate, beer, music, etc. etc. etc. to support my own habbit? Just because I have a job doesn't justify money spent.

So I have an idea that I will keep some sort of 'care package' in my car. Not sure exactly what all will be apart of this package, but it will be something like gift card(s) to local fast food places, some water bottles, and maybe some sort of protein bars. I will also arm myself with knowledge of community centers and church/ministries that provide temporary shelter, clothing, and meals for people. And I would imagine some genuine conern and a few kind comments would go a long way!

So next time I see the cardboard sign, maybe I can look through it to see an person (with a soul) created in God's image who could use a little help. Who knows what providing a burger, a solution to a temporary need, can do to point a person towards Christ?