No No Zone

Have you ever been told, "You shouldn't go in there!" Or, "This place isn't for you!" We have been experiencing this type of conversation with my daughter lately. She seems to want to go places we don't believe she should go. She continues to rummage through Kleenex or tries to eat Cheerios off the floor and seeks to learn new ways to eat paper! Most of our attempts to keep her out of things are to protect her from pain or fear that she will hurt herself. "Don't go in there sweetheart, you will get hurt!" Isn't it interesting that this just happens to be an innate type of feature that a father or mother experiences? Maybe even the feeling a friend would have to protect another. Looking out for their "best" interest. But what if God wants us to explore in dangerous areas? Rummage through the "waste" of the earth so that we may help clean it up? Maybe even experience the pain that could take place bumping through life and it's disappointments? What if He is calling you to step into places that "Christian" people aren't allowed and someone close to you is telling you, "Don't go in there, it's dangerous!'

Acts 17 gives us a look at a guy named Paul who was waiting for some friends to meet him in Athens. Here he is distressed about what is in front of his eyes so he takes on the nay-sayers and boldly defies the "norm" by walking into a place chock full of temptaion and bling! Ok, if you don't get it so far, I will paint a picture for you. Imagine being near an area that is uncomfortable You don't fit in, people aren't like you, their desires are unhealthy. Maybe at a ball game... beer, dancers, profanity. You know it's there; do you ignore it? I would believe that most of us do! We fear the reprecussions or even what other "people of faith" may think of us if we are associated with people engaging in "unholy" behavior. Yet, they are lost! Caught in idol! What is our role? What would God have us do? Well, Paul's mind was missional. His heart was engaged with the plan Christ would have him follow. He was able to see his opportunity even though the difficulty would be there. He begins with simple conversation. Jesus Christ stuff. He is taken to "Mars Hill" a place where murders were known to find shelter. Probably not a place that we would stop by on our way home from work! Here he mirrors himself to speak at their level. He understands what they like and uses it to connect with them. Once he has their attention, BAM, he takes his chance at sharing Christ.

How often do you see opportunity to share Christ and pass it by? How many times will you see the sign and not enter?

-TB