Too often we have thought that we must get our friends into a certain location in order to discuss spiritual things. There are just some places where God is more "present" so to insure that we have a significant conversation with friends, we must move them from where they are to where we are. What does our friend think when we invite them to come with us to hear some spiritual thoughts? Maybe they are thankful we are thinking about them. Maybe they wish we would just talk with them in their apartment or the coffee shop.
Almost all of the conversations Jesus had with those who were not following him were outside of spiritual zones. Or were they? We have labeled buildings where churches or campus groups meet as spiritual zones but we must not divide the sacred from the secular. Think about the conversations Jesus had...at wells, on roads, by lakes, on hillsides, or in homes. These were not insignificant conversations but helped people understand life. This is where everyone lives life and where the gospel makes sense.
In Acts 5:42 and 17:17 followers of Jesus talked to others about Jesus. We know this but still have difficulty living this way.The spiritual zone is simply where the Holy Spirit is at work and this is not limited except by our perception of where and how God works in our world.
FOCUS THOUGHT If we are following Jesus we will talk with people where he is working and that can be anywhere.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Who has the map?
The popular tv show "Lost" is a picture of many lives or strategies for making life work. It is similar to the confusion, frustration or increasing irrelevance followers of Jesus seem to have in our culture. How do we connect the truth about Jesus with a skeptical world? Who has the map?
We can continue to do what we are doing which is easier but we need to stop and do some thinking. Most people do not show up to religious meetings that do not meet on their turf. Maybe it is because what they are hearing does not make sense to them or does not connect with what they do and experience in the daily grind of life.
If followers of Jesus are the "salt of the earth" why is there no distinct influence where we work, play or in our neighborhoods? Most people do not like change and that is what it will take for a follower of Jesus to make a difference where they live.
Because we gravitate towards comfort or security we do not venture out to the edge of the cliff much less consider jumping. The view may be amazing or thought provoking but the TV seems a safer place.
Lets take a walk on some paths or in some parts of town we have never been before. We might meet Jesus there as we meet people whose perspective is different than ours...or we can just change the channel.
We can continue to do what we are doing which is easier but we need to stop and do some thinking. Most people do not show up to religious meetings that do not meet on their turf. Maybe it is because what they are hearing does not make sense to them or does not connect with what they do and experience in the daily grind of life.
If followers of Jesus are the "salt of the earth" why is there no distinct influence where we work, play or in our neighborhoods? Most people do not like change and that is what it will take for a follower of Jesus to make a difference where they live.
Because we gravitate towards comfort or security we do not venture out to the edge of the cliff much less consider jumping. The view may be amazing or thought provoking but the TV seems a safer place.
Lets take a walk on some paths or in some parts of town we have never been before. We might meet Jesus there as we meet people whose perspective is different than ours...or we can just change the channel.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
