Excuses, Excuses by Denise Morris on 01/09/2012 at 8:38 AM

I've worked in Christian ministry ever since I graduated from college. I go to a Christian school, I am friends with other Christian students, and I attend a Christian church. Until the past year, I lived in Colorado Springs — basically the Protestant version of Vatican City. My life is very "Christiany." Most people in my world are middle class and suburban, not physically poor or needy, not the type of people Jesus seemed to spend much of His time with when He was here on earth.

In some ways my Christiany life is nice — I have good fellowship and people to talk with about theology, people who I know are filled with the Holy Spirit, people I know I can relate to. But sometimes this very Christian life that I live keeps me from reaching out or getting to know non-Christians or people outside my comfort zone. Because of my work, school and church schedule, I rarely come into contact with people who do not share my faith. But my living in my Christian bubble seems very far from the Great Commission, very far from the life Jesus seemed to want His disciples to lead.

This article from RELEVANT Magazine is written for people who live in a suburban world and don't often come across the poor and needy, but I think it can be relevant for all of us who are called to share the Gospel of Jesus in big and small ways. The article suggests getting to know the people at your local grocery or Target store, taking a jog in a new neighborhood, becoming friends with the barista at your coffee shop, volunteering to coach, getting to know the elderly at a nursing home, becoming a foster parent, etc. Although my work and school don't provide many opportunities for me to get to know non-Christians or people outside my comfort zone, I interact daily with people at the gym or the grocery store. 

Last year I had the opportunity to volunteer with a mentoring program for refugees here in Denver. A few of us spent six months getting to know a family who had just moved to America from Kenya. We visited them weekly, helped them navigate the grocery stores (imagine going to somewhere like Wal-Mart when you're used to a small village!), and just got to know them on a personal level. It was a commitment — we visited often, and the family lived on the opposite side of Denver. But it was worth it. This family was precious, and in a very small way, we were able to help make their transition to the United States easier. It was uncomfortable at times, but I truly felt as though I were serving as Jesus has asked me to.

I find lots of ways to make excuses for my lack of interaction with the poor, with the needy, with the spiritually bankrupt. I'm in Christian ministry, I tell myself. My writing and my schooling are helpful to the church. These things are true, but they are not an excuse. Jesus wanted us — me — to make disciples. He wanted me to show compassion for the poor, for the needy. There is a nursing home right by where I live. I've often thought that I should stop in and see if they need volunteers to visit with their residents. But I never have because I have school or work, or I need to get to the gym, or I just have to see the latest episode of Downton Abbey. They're excuses. Excuses for me to not  have to be uncomfortable, to not have to give up "my" time.

Our faith is about belief and action. It's about sharing the good news of Jesus with a world in need. It's about making disciples. I need to do a better job of making that faith a reality in my life.

What are some ways you share the Gospel with those around you? Are there things you could do to serve and love and share?

Excuses, Excuses by Denise Morris on 01/09/2012 at 8:38 AM

I've worked in Christian ministry ever since I graduated from college. I go to a Christian school, I am friends with other Christian students, and I attend a Christian church. Until the past year, I lived in Colorado Springs — basically the Protestant version of Vatican City. My life is very "Christiany." Most people in my world are middle class and suburban, not physically poor or needy, not the type of people Jesus seemed to spend much of His time with when He was here on earth.

In some ways my Christiany life is nice — I have good fellowship and people to talk with about theology, people who I know are filled with the Holy Spirit, people I know I can relate to. But sometimes this very Christian life that I live keeps me from reaching out or getting to know non-Christians or people outside my comfort zone. Because of my work, school and church schedule, I rarely come into contact with people who do not share my faith. But my living in my Christian bubble seems very far from the Great Commission, very far from the life Jesus seemed to want His disciples to lead.

This article from RELEVANT Magazine is written for people who live in a suburban world and don't often come across the poor and needy, but I think it can be relevant for all of us who are called to share the Gospel of Jesus in big and small ways. The article suggests getting to know the people at your local grocery or Target store, taking a jog in a new neighborhood, becoming friends with the barista at your coffee shop, volunteering to coach, getting to know the elderly at a nursing home, becoming a foster parent, etc. Although my work and school don't provide many opportunities for me to get to know non-Christians or people outside my comfort zone, I interact daily with people at the gym or the grocery store. 

Last year I had the opportunity to volunteer with a mentoring program for refugees here in Denver. A few of us spent six months getting to know a family who had just moved to America from Kenya. We visited them weekly, helped them navigate the grocery stores (imagine going to somewhere like Wal-Mart when you're used to a small village!), and just got to know them on a personal level. It was a commitment — we visited often, and the family lived on the opposite side of Denver. But it was worth it. This family was precious, and in a very small way, we were able to help make their transition to the United States easier. It was uncomfortable at times, but I truly felt as though I were serving as Jesus has asked me to.

I find lots of ways to make excuses for my lack of interaction with the poor, with the needy, with the spiritually bankrupt. I'm in Christian ministry, I tell myself. My writing and my schooling are helpful to the church. These things are true, but they are not an excuse. Jesus wanted us — me — to make disciples. He wanted me to show compassion for the poor, for the needy. There is a nursing home right by where I live. I've often thought that I should stop in and see if they need volunteers to visit with their residents. But I never have because I have school or work, or I need to get to the gym, or I just have to see the latest episode of Downton Abbey. They're excuses. Excuses for me to not  have to be uncomfortable, to not have to give up "my" time.

Our faith is about belief and action. It's about sharing the good news of Jesus with a world in need. It's about making disciples. I need to do a better job of making that faith a reality in my life.

What are some ways you share the Gospel with those around you? Are there things you could do to serve and love and share?

Comments

[1. RLynn said the following at 9:06 AM on Jan 9:]

1

Thanks for this post. I went to a Christian College, too, but I go to a church located in the city, live and exercise "in-town", and work in public health...you have to make INTENTIONAL choices to avoid life in a Christian ghetto.

[2. Jo said the following at 4:00 PM on Jan 9:]

2

You know what, I actually think Facebook does wonders. If you're open about your faith on Facebook in appropriate, non-Biblebashy ways, people see that. And they may not say anything normally, but when they have a question or are confused about something, they'll think of that person on their friends list who is a Christian, even if you're not a close real-life friend. In fact, sometimes people find it easier to talk about that stuff with someone who isn't in their real life. Obviously not saying FB is a substitute for any real life interaction, just think it's a useful tool that sometimes gets overlooked. It's a very easy, nonthreatening way to share your thoughts - and in a statement, so you don't have to wait for a natural opportunity to bring them up in conversation! I love it. And I've had some very interesting discussions as a result of it that I'm sure would never have happened otherwise.

[3. Nancy said the following at 8:51 AM on Jan 10:]

3

I totally agree with this post. We must be deliberate about investing in the lives of non-Christians. The old cliche is true: we may be the only (or first) Bible they ever read. Right now, that group of people is other parents at my kids' school and preschool, my neighbors, and (through a ministry) young women who work in our city's sex industry. I'm excited to hear about you helping welcome recent immigrants, and I look forward to hearing more about you reaching out to others!

[4. James said the following at 12:36 AM on Jan 12:]

4

Good topic, I would've thought there'd be more participation. I sometimes notice Christians who are outside their comfort zone tend to get stand-offish (or worse, rude) with others.

I grew up in public schools, went to a liberal arts college, and work in a very secular environment. I have some non-believing friends I meet up with, usually in not so great neighborhoods. So, I definitely am not in too much of a Christian bubble - actually I should probably try and seek out more fellowship with believers.

I think one of my strengths is being able to get along with and be genuine amongst non-believers. I've been complimented on it more than a few times. Not saying everyone should run out and put themselves in situations they aren't comfortable in, it's not for everyone. But no matter where you are, I'd say focus on your presentation. How you sound, what words you're using, your temperament, etc. And of course your actions.

[5. Set Apart Girl said the following at 3:34 PM on Jan 13:]

5

I'm in a similar boat to James as I went to public schools and university, work in a secular industry and have many non-Christian friends.

So for me, getting out of my comfort zone would be less about talking to non-Christians and more about sharing with the people who can get overlooked by Christians and non-Christians alike - the homeless guy who sleeps in a box, the single mother who got pregnant out of wedlock, the druggie who's trying to quit but sometimes fails, the wife who's in an abusive relationship.

What can we do to share the gospel? Help meet their needs.

If someone's hungry, get them some food. If a single mother is in need of love and support, make sure she doesn't get shunned. Throw her a baby shower, drive her to the hospital for doctors' appointments, visit her when the baby's born. If someone needs to talk, make sure they know they can call you anytime - even if it's 3am in the morning.(I say this as a single, though - I understand that married people might not be able to do this).

Anyone can sing at a nursing home or volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Don't get me wrong - these are great things to do! But we have also been called to reach out to the people whom society might not find so acceptable.

A little love and care goes a long way.

[1. RLynn said the following at 9:06 AM on Jan 9:]

1

Thanks for this post. I went to a Christian College, too, but I go to a church located in the city, live and exercise "in-town", and work in public health...you have to make INTENTIONAL choices to avoid life in a Christian ghetto.

[2. Jo said the following at 4:00 PM on Jan 9:]

2

You know what, I actually think Facebook does wonders. If you're open about your faith on Facebook in appropriate, non-Biblebashy ways, people see that. And they may not say anything normally, but when they have a question or are confused about something, they'll think of that person on their friends list who is a Christian, even if you're not a close real-life friend. In fact, sometimes people find it easier to talk about that stuff with someone who isn't in their real life. Obviously not saying FB is a substitute for any real life interaction, just think it's a useful tool that sometimes gets overlooked. It's a very easy, nonthreatening way to share your thoughts - and in a statement, so you don't have to wait for a natural opportunity to bring them up in conversation! I love it. And I've had some very interesting discussions as a result of it that I'm sure would never have happened otherwise.

[3. Nancy said the following at 8:51 AM on Jan 10:]

3

I totally agree with this post. We must be deliberate about investing in the lives of non-Christians. The old cliche is true: we may be the only (or first) Bible they ever read. Right now, that group of people is other parents at my kids' school and preschool, my neighbors, and (through a ministry) young women who work in our city's sex industry. I'm excited to hear about you helping welcome recent immigrants, and I look forward to hearing more about you reaching out to others!

[4. James said the following at 12:36 AM on Jan 12:]

4

Good topic, I would've thought there'd be more participation. I sometimes notice Christians who are outside their comfort zone tend to get stand-offish (or worse, rude) with others.

I grew up in public schools, went to a liberal arts college, and work in a very secular environment. I have some non-believing friends I meet up with, usually in not so great neighborhoods. So, I definitely am not in too much of a Christian bubble - actually I should probably try and seek out more fellowship with believers.

I think one of my strengths is being able to get along with and be genuine amongst non-believers. I've been complimented on it more than a few times. Not saying everyone should run out and put themselves in situations they aren't comfortable in, it's not for everyone. But no matter where you are, I'd say focus on your presentation. How you sound, what words you're using, your temperament, etc. And of course your actions.

[5. Set Apart Girl said the following at 3:34 PM on Jan 13:]

5

I'm in a similar boat to James as I went to public schools and university, work in a secular industry and have many non-Christian friends.

So for me, getting out of my comfort zone would be less about talking to non-Christians and more about sharing with the people who can get overlooked by Christians and non-Christians alike - the homeless guy who sleeps in a box, the single mother who got pregnant out of wedlock, the druggie who's trying to quit but sometimes fails, the wife who's in an abusive relationship.

What can we do to share the gospel? Help meet their needs.

If someone's hungry, get them some food. If a single mother is in need of love and support, make sure she doesn't get shunned. Throw her a baby shower, drive her to the hospital for doctors' appointments, visit her when the baby's born. If someone needs to talk, make sure they know they can call you anytime - even if it's 3am in the morning.(I say this as a single, though - I understand that married people might not be able to do this).

Anyone can sing at a nursing home or volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Don't get me wrong - these are great things to do! But we have also been called to reach out to the people whom society might not find so acceptable.

A little love and care goes a long way.