I grew up in Christian sub-culture that was known for admonishing people to "take a stand" for things. This usually meant opposing abortion, secular music, theological liberalism, legalized gambling, or Disney. "Taking a stand" for or against something was often an easy way for other Christians to guage your spirituality or your dedication to God.
The older I get, the more I see that "standing" has more to do with abiding in my relationship with Jesus than it does with opposing certain vices. While there are certainly times and situations that call for a response from the church, I find that as a Christian it is much more essential, and even more practical, that I choose to stand firm in the love that God has shown to me in Jesus Christ, His crucifixion and resurrection.
With this in mind, I take notice of "where I am standing" and that place becomes my mission field. I don't have to travel to a distant land (though I have done that and will continue to). I don't have to drive to a church on Sunday morning to preach (though I do that nearly every Sunday). You don't have to be teaching a Bible study or leading a small group to be on the mission field.
Your mission field is where you stand. It is where you live and work and shop and eat. Take a look around you. Observe the people near you. See their needs and their brokeness and their humanity. Then love them. Affirm them. Speak to them and ask them questions about their life. This is your mission field.
Abide in the unconditional love of Christ and wherever you find yourself standing, that is your calling, your mission field. You don't have to go very far to be a missionary.
What opportunities will you come face to face with today? Where will you be "standing" when God opens a door for you to minister?
Comments
November 16 2011
Leslie Nease
Yes!! Awesome post, Clayton. I totally agree. We take a stand by our love, our lives and the overflow of Jesus in our lives to those who are lost. When we are picketing, shouting, angry & opposing we come across as hypocrites and judgmental. Our lives speak so much louder than our words. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, “It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.” We are so busy fighting against unbelievers and judging their lifestyles and sin that we are missing the point completely. We can trust that God will judge and oppose the sin in their lives. Our responsibility is to work out our own salvation, hold one another accountable and live lives of conviction that overflow Christ’s love while being ready with an answer when asked the reason for our Hope. (1 Peter 3:15-17)
November 23 2011
nancy fredenburg washburn
love love love this!
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