It
was another beautiful night in Peru.
The full moon is partially hidden by clouds. The silhouette of mountains surrounds us. The cool breeze of the night air is a
relief from the scorching heat of the day.
We are talking of our plans to stay in touch after my time in Peru comes
to end. He looks over at me and
says, “Are you sure you are a missionary and do not belong in the circus?” (or something of that nature, I am not
the best at remembering exact quotes, but you get the picture nonetheless)
Ouch. The truth of the words that I do not
belong in their perfectly cultivated Christian world had hit home. My body is subject to two tattoos that
are very difficult to cover in the heat of Peru. I am unable to contain my dancing at the slightest sound of
music. My playful act of punching
and pushing the guys after a joke being said was interpreted as flirting. On top of all of my faults previously
listed, my acceptance of limited alcohol consumption by Christians was simply
the cherry on top.
But
the coolest thing happened between last night and this morning. I was reminded of the freedom that
grace and mercy allows us. Praise
the Lord that I am no longer subject to recompense for my sin through the
law! In fact, my desire for
holiness, to be set apart from this world does not stem from a desire to follow
rules or the law. No, it stems
from the unlimited love of Christ.
Yes, I desire to be holy. I
do not desire to cause anyone else to stumble through my having tattoos, no I
will not be dancing provocatively to gain the attention of men, yes I will
watch my interactions with men and women alike, and yes I will be mindful of
drinking. But not because I am
told to by a church. I refuse to
watch my actions because a man with more (or sometimes less) Biblical education
than I tells me I should simply for the sake of fitting in. No, I desire to be holy because that is
what Christ desires of me because He loves me. So yes, I may be crazy and fit better as a member of a
Circus than as a missionary. But
at the end of the day my prayer and desire is that when I leave each country, a
stereotypical missionary is not what is remembered, but the love of Christ that
can conquer all will linger in the hearts and minds of everyone.
He has saved us and called us to a holy life-not because of anything
we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us
in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed
through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and
has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10
If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in
our right mind, it is for you [the world]. 2 Corinthians 5:13
