Shackles: So What's the Answer?

I think we all know that the only road to freedom is Jesus Christ. That's a given for those of us who follow him. He said he came to seek and save the lost and when he left he charged us to go into all the world and spread his good news. There will be some people we run across who are ready to hear about him straight away. Many though will need a relationship with you first.

I look at the way Jesus did it in the Gospels, he always had the message. That was a given. He was ready to share it with all who would listen. But another thing I noticed is that he nearly always had something tangible to offer the community he was visiting with whether it was one of his miracle or just his friendly presence. He literally set free many from their physical burdens as signs of the Kingdom that he proclaimed was "at hand". He also was a regular friend to many and spent time with them. He would share meals and attend community functions as a guest (i.e. weddings, etc.). In this way he modeled ministry, IMHO, for us.

There are so many hurting people out there in need as Jake said in a prior comment. It is impossible for us to reach them all. It truly can be overwhelming. But I think the key is, and this is a "no duh" statement, living and moving amongst these struggling people with the love of Jesus. So how do we take this out into the world and not "leave Christ on the street" to quote a Caedmon's Call lyric?

Here are the things I think each of us can do to accomplish this mission:

1. Don't take our mundane daily routines for granted.

We all have a rhythm to our lives. Even the most unorganized of us are in the same places doing the same things regularly. While moving through these rhythms we come in contact, daily, with people who are shackled. You know some of them well and others not so much. Either way, Jesus called us "a city on a hill" and told us we are the "light of the world". If we follow Jesus as best we can, that light will shine and God will be glorified. They'll see another way.

Even as I try to follow Jesus I see others who's light burns brighter than maybe my own (at least in my eyes) and I see that there is even more still. That's how I know for myself that Jesus works through us and reveals more of his Kingdom.

This idea fits well with the "regular customer" notion that Fred put out there. We are all a regular customer somewhere whether it's by choice or convenience. Use that as an opportunity. When you go to the local grocery or big box store be kind to those who serve you. If possible see if you can get in the line of the same cashier every now and then if not all the time. Be kind, help them bag your things, and ask them how things are going. Many of them are glad to have someone to talk to.

2. Persistent Presence

This goes hand in had with the first point, but I still want break it out. I think that it's very important for us to develop a consistent and persistent presence at places outside our homes and churches. When we do this, we develop relationships with people that we'd never have the chance to by inviting them to church or over to the house for dinner. These venues allow for real relationships to form between Christians and not yet Christians because they are either neutral or home turf for those we meet. Some people need that first. Handing them a tract or asking them where they would go if they died tonight will do very little.

This "strategy" takes some time and we have to be committed to the long haul. It may take a good bit of time before the chance to share the Good News with them comes along. It also means we may become friends with someone who never "gets it". Lots of Christians would tell you if this is the case, then you've wasted your time. They will throw out one of their favorite lines about swine and pearls. But how much do we really care about them if being a friend is not at or near the top of our list?

There is a little Chinese Restaurant that I make it a point to have lunch at once a week. I walk in take my seat and head to the buffet. When I get back my Diet Pepsi is waiting for me without me having to say one word. When my waitress returns, she asks how things are and we talk for a bit about various things. Sometimes she will mention a sick family member or a problem with one of her children. I don't know that I have ever told anyone about my lunches there, but they have become a very sacred part of my week. I couldn't spend 10 dollars any better way. Plus the Mongolian Pork is outstanding!

3. Learn to Listen

I say learn, because most of us, including me, can always do better at listening. Even if they don't spell it out, most people will tell you everything you need to know about their situation. Heck, lots of people will unload it all after just meeting you.

We do this because there seems to be a need in all of us for peace. We tell our stories not just because we like to talk about us, but because we all know there is something missing. We look for others ideas on things and seek advice. We know our stories aren't perfect and it's in our nature to have them redeemed. Sometimes we try to redeem them ourselves and make the cuffs fit much tighter.

If we are actively listening, then we will know all we need to know. Some people are good at hiding things but eventually we'll get keyed in. Listen and be sure the person speaking to you KNOWS you are listening.

So, I guess that's all I have to say for now. I hope that I've made my point easy to grasp. I don't really know how well I do that. It's mostly just good for me to write and talk about these things because it helps me in joining God in his work. It gets me in a Kingdom mindset and reminds me that redemption is something many many people are seeking.

Comments

[Fred]

God is teaching me that I need to be more intentional about places I frequent and build relationships, and not just to put another notch on my evangelism belt. It's new to me, coming from a culture that practiced hit and run evangelism.