*Disclaimer* I dont usually talk about ‘politics’ because don’t like generalizations. However, God put this blog on my heart and I’m going to make a couple generalizations here; stick with me.
After traveling the world, I’ve had my mixed emotions about America. I’ve appreciated it more, sure. But I’ve also been ashamed of it. For all you ‘Merica lovers, hear me out.
I’ve appreciated being born into a culture with opportunity. I had a nice home that was heated in the winter. I had 3 meals a day. I went on vacations. I got an education. I learned how to ride a bike. I played sports. I watched TV, listened to music on an ipod, and played games on a computer.
I’m talking directly to you, middle-upper class—American peers of mine. Those who grew up in a suburb, or in the outskirts of town. You were either homeschooled or you went to public school. You had needs, but they involved the Razor flip phone or the 2011 hyperdunks.
You fight for individualism, for rights, and for acceptance. That’s why we create an identity. Thats why people fight for their right to bear arms. Thats why people have such a hard time being themselves.
“I am a fit wholesome nutritionist, and I will train every day until I look like that. People will come to me and I will help them get the body they want.”
“I NEED my guns to protect myself and my family. I DESERVE this right”
“Will I be accepted? Will people still love me?”
*Disclaimer* I am not against guns.
Theres nothing wrong with being passionate about these things, but if you call yourself a Christian, maybe we should take a look at where our passion lies.
If you don’t know what your passions are, look at your life—outward and inward. What do you think about most? What do you talk about most? What do you do most?
Before the World Race I was passionate about my friends, food, Benny’s doughnuts, being happy, the next best thing, the next guy, loving others well, being active, and growing in my relationship with God.
I wasn’t passionate about the rest of the world because I hadn’t seen it yet. I don’t blame you. How could you be aware of something you’ve never experienced?
We always talk about starving children in Africa. But we talk about it like its a fiction novel. It’s not real to us because we haven’t experienced it.
Needless to say, my passions have changed dramatically in the last 8 months.
Because now,
I have a face for hunger
I have a face for pain
I have a face for abuse
I looked a girl in the eyes as she showed me scars where her dad stabbed her
I sat next to a girl as she explained the economy of her home country—she said, “The only way to live here comfortably is to leave, make a ton of money, then move back. Otherwise you’ll need to work 3 jobs to barely make enough to feed yourself and have a place to live.”
…
When I think of American culture for my generation, I see our aesthetically pleasing town house decorated with minimalistic furniture and complimentary colors. Going to church, getting brunch after, and following a routine that glorifies morning lattes and comfortable lifestyles.
I get it. And It’s not bad.
But now, It’s different for me because when I think of all that, I also think of the woman living in the desert of Argentina with no electricity, no running water, no fridge, no TV, no washing machine, no sink, no bed.
I have a face for lacking basic needs. I close my eyes, and I SEE HER…
So, here’s my question:
At what point does our need for individualism, rights, and acceptance contradict our calling? Or contradict Gods will for our lives?
I believe its when those things become more important to us than The Great Commission.
The calling that scares us
Telling us to GO,
To SACRIFICE,
To SURRENDER..
Be the light of the world, like a city on a hill – Matthew 5:14
Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse our fellow people, and give as freely as you have received! – Matthew 10:8
Go, make disciples of all the nations! – Matthew 28
Share! – Ephesians 4:28
Be bold! – Joshua 1:9
Worship! – 1 Chronicles 16:23-31
Teach! – Matthew 28:20
Obey! – Revelation 14:12
Talk about this guy named Jesus… – The Bible
Not just to your small group. To the cashier, your Uber driver, your coach, co-worker, homeless person, girl sitting by herself at a coffee shop, friend from high school, fitness instructor, classmate, lab partner, Larry the cable guy… Whoever it is, they deserve to know.
When comfort and safety are our primary concerns, we aren’t the only ones missing out. Everyone misses out.
If theres anything I’ve learned on the World Race, its that even the smallest interaction can change a life. Not only that, it causes a ripple effect. The amount of lives you can touch with one interaction will extend far beyond your lifetime.
Please, don’t underestimate the power of Christ.
Most importantly, don’t underestimate the power of Christ in YOU.
I’d love for you to take some time to think about your own passions, and ask yourself:
What do you think about most?
What do you talk about most?
What do you do most?
What do you care about more than anything?
What are you willing to fight for?
…is it really that important?
Matthew 6:19-21 says,
“Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Luke 14:26 says,
“If anyone comes to me and does not hate their father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters–yes, even their own life–such a person cannot be my disciple.”
Our love for Christ should be SO great, that in comparison to our possessions, and even our family… it shouldn’t even come close.
So,
What are you willing to fight for?
…is it really that important?
Thanks for reading.
