cracking the code

Our friend and former Pastor, Les Herron, once talked about how all believers in Christ are missionaries. We are missionaries cleverly disguised as ___________ (nurse, teacher, stay home mom, soldier, etc.). Where we live and the people we are surrounded by are considered our mission field. We are to here to learn the culture and show God's love to the people. It isn't necessarily about fundraising, trip planning, skit performing heading-out-to-the-mission-field. It's really more about living your daily life, missionally.

My problem, or so I think, is that I live in suburbia. Suburbanites are a tough nut to crack. There's an unwritten, assumed code. Most people are comfortable with their lives. There really is so much comfort here in suburbia. There is an attitude of independence here also. We would all agree that we got here (in suburbia) by pulling up our bootstraps and working for it.

Suburbia looks so nice and clean and we can hide away in our nice houses and polished cars and busy ourselves with shopping, sports, entertainment and even work. We got here by ourselves (so we think), so we can take care of anything by ourselves. We know where to go and how to get there if we need something.If we get sick, we head to the Dr. If we're out of money, we ask for a raise or take a second job. If there isn't enough money for something right now, we can charge it on our credit card. Tired? Take a vacation. Bored? Go shopping, go to the movies, go hiking or whatever.

So, with all of this in mind, how do we "break in" to people's lives and hearts. How do we live with a missional purpose? How do we stand out as a peculiar people, as the Bible calls us to do? What does following Jesus and His ways look like in modern day suburbia? How can I not get sucked in to this suburban life; being "in" the world but not "of " the world?

I would think a good starting point is allowing ourselves to be vulnerable. I know, we don't have to be vulnerable. The beauty is, we get to choose to. What I mean by being vulnerable is allowing others to see who I truly am. To have a window view into my life. No, I don't have it all together. Yes, I'm still working through pain. I'm working through emotional issues regarding relationships. I'm nowhere near the financial goals I have set. Things keep breaking, including hearts and lives of people I know. These people I know...live in suburbia.

I would think, that wherever you are cleverly disguised as a missionary, there are people there who need a friend. A friend willing to love them enough to be vulnerable, so that they may feel safe and quite possibly loved and accepted. Because, you know what? Chances are they want to be found out and loved for who they really are. Are you willing to scale some walls and go in after some people? Jesus is. He's looking for volunteers to go with Him.