We need other committed Christians in our lives challenging us to a deeper walk with Jesus Christ.
The Talk:
We have all moved at least once. We have either entered or left a community at some point in our lives. It isn’t easy and it isn’t fun. Some of us are more like trees that like to make deep roots and remain grounded where we are. Others are more like migratory birds always on the move. No matter how you deal with transition, it still can really hurt when you leave good friendships behind and are asked to begin new ones.
How many times have you moved in your life?
My wife and I are both missionary kids and have done a lot of moving. Combined, we have moved about 25 times and only one of those times has been in our three years of marriage. That is a lot of good-byes and hellos.
Take a look at the video below and we are going to try and answer a few questions about how to transition well as a Christ-ian.
Q: What do they mean by a life on mission?
If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, he sends us on a mission. Essentially all of us who believe in Jesus have a responsibility that is God-given.
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)
No matter where you find yourself, you are a missionary. A person on a mission to see the nations come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. By your surrendered life, you testify to the power of this gospel.
Q: So then, what does it mean to enter a community well?
As people living for the glory of God and not for ourselves, we can enter any community knowing what Christ expects of us. There will be grief and hurt from having left friends and homes, but we know that our reward in Christ is eternally more than anything we could give up here on earth (Mark 10:29-30). Having that confidence in Christ will better enable you to continue your life on mission in a new place.
Q: What should I be looking for in a new community?
Look for other believers that are serious about their faith in Christ. They may have different hobbies and interests, but ultimately if you can find others that are worship the Lord in spirit and truth that can challenge you in your walk with the Lord, that is a huge gift. Watch out for the crowds that quickly accept you, but make bad choices. Know what Jesus taught and find others that are living according to that teaching.
Q: What about leaving a community? How do we do that well?
Don’t unplug, the Lord has set the times and places where we all will live. Until he has placed you somewhere new, be all there. Share memories with your friends. Love those around you with a selfless love. Reconcile broken relationships. Point people to Christ. Share your faith with that person that you just never had the guts to share with before. Those things will prepare you even more for your next community.
Jesus prayed:
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me” (John 17:20-23 NLT).
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| Side note: girls really don't look happy here- watch out Loren |
When we follow Jesus alone, we only get a small glimpse of who Jesus is.
Together we are able to experience even more of his kingdom at work by the power of his Name. We can learn to love God better by doing life together with others striving to love God the same. Jesus says:
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37-39 NIV).
It is not an option to love your neighbor. It is also not an option to not have neighbors. If you have confessed Christ as your Lord and Savior, he has called you to a life on mission. Find your neighbor. Pursue them. Reach out to them. Show them that they are wanted and loved by their God, just as you have been show.
Challenge:
Are we really wanting to do life together?
Are you willing to be vulnerable?
Find a few friends around you that are serious about living their life on the mission that Christ has given us. Begin to challenge one another to grow through prayer, the study of God’s word and actively living out your faith in a broken world that needs the life of Jesus.
*Thank you Wesley Dean for taking these photos!
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