Verse 7 should be noted, "Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare."
What does it look like to "live in but not of" the world? How do we live out the Gospel in such a complex culture? How do we develop a heart for the area we are living in?
I feel like the answer is living intentionally with those around you and investing yourself into your city. Evangelism is a misunderstood term. The campus ministry I attended in college required us to use a pamphlet to engage other students in why Christianity is the only way. I remember being so anxious and it felt so forced. I never loved doing that, but I know it does work. But this is so unnatural for a lot of people and it airs on the side of legalism when it becomes something we have to do.
What if evangelism was living with intentionality? What if you embraced the starbuck's barista, the Wells Fargo teller, or the Sunflower cashier? What if you actually took a look into the lives of those who serve you? What if outreach was not an event that was planned by a church, but was actually a part of your life?
I definitely not perfect at this but I have been investing in a bank teller for the last few months. She is 23 and has a 5 year old son, I can't even imagine what I would do if I had a kid right now and being a single mom. It has been awesome to get know her more and more as the time goes by. What is very obvious is that she feels alone and needs to be heard. I am not sure where this relationship will go, but I know I called to only use that bank.
There is so much brokenness around you... there is a cry for community, love and belonging. There is a need for someone to just smile, call out their name, or just someone who is really genuine
Currently, I am reading the book "Coffee Shop Conversations" (and yes I can only read it in a coffee shop and has created some discussion from those around me). The book talks about approaching every conversion with humility. That in fact you can learn from other people even if you have different worldviews (Shocker I know) "We must step into their unique shoes and view their spiritual world from their perspective"(P. 40). It city's culture must be learned before a connection is made.
What does it look like to "live in but not of" the world? How do we live out the Gospel in such a complex culture? How do we develop a heart for the area we are living in?
I feel like the answer is living intentionally with those around you and investing yourself into your city. Evangelism is a misunderstood term. The campus ministry I attended in college required us to use a pamphlet to engage other students in why Christianity is the only way. I remember being so anxious and it felt so forced. I never loved doing that, but I know it does work. But this is so unnatural for a lot of people and it airs on the side of legalism when it becomes something we have to do.
What if evangelism was living with intentionality? What if you embraced the starbuck's barista, the Wells Fargo teller, or the Sunflower cashier? What if you actually took a look into the lives of those who serve you? What if outreach was not an event that was planned by a church, but was actually a part of your life?
I definitely not perfect at this but I have been investing in a bank teller for the last few months. She is 23 and has a 5 year old son, I can't even imagine what I would do if I had a kid right now and being a single mom. It has been awesome to get know her more and more as the time goes by. What is very obvious is that she feels alone and needs to be heard. I am not sure where this relationship will go, but I know I called to only use that bank.
There is so much brokenness around you... there is a cry for community, love and belonging. There is a need for someone to just smile, call out their name, or just someone who is really genuine
Currently, I am reading the book "Coffee Shop Conversations" (and yes I can only read it in a coffee shop and has created some discussion from those around me). The book talks about approaching every conversion with humility. That in fact you can learn from other people even if you have different worldviews (Shocker I know) "We must step into their unique shoes and view their spiritual world from their perspective"(P. 40). It city's culture must be learned before a connection is made.
We have duty to prayer for our cities and to live peacefully in it. The Lord says where our treasure is so is our heart, regardless of whether or not you are content with where you are living we are called to intercede for the city we are in.
Therefore, do not let busyness, fear, insecurities, pride, and judgement step in your way of seeing those around you. I pray that my eyes are open to where God is working in my city, I pray that I do not miss an opportunity to share His good news. Find out what your city needs and make it happen! I believe Community can be built anywhere if one is willing to invest in those around them and willing to be open-minded.
Therefore, do not let busyness, fear, insecurities, pride, and judgement step in your way of seeing those around you. I pray that my eyes are open to where God is working in my city, I pray that I do not miss an opportunity to share His good news. Find out what your city needs and make it happen! I believe Community can be built anywhere if one is willing to invest in those around them and willing to be open-minded.
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