Why I am a Missional Christian

I don’t believe that God wrapped himself in flesh, was born a scandalous birth to a poor working class family, rescued from attempts on his life as a small child, healed the sick, feed the hungry, encouraged, taught, was falsely accused, beaten, crucified, buried and raised again … so we could join together every Sabbath to talk about it, and leave as un changed as we came … week after week … month after month … year after year.

It is like a man with a festering boil on his behind. At first he thought it would just go away. But as time went on the boil got worse. Concerned, the man went the hospital. But because he was ashamed that he had such a malady and of its sensitive location, he left without seeking assistance. Since the boil was getting worse, he came back to the hospital over and over again, each week the boil got worse. Finally the man approached the hospital staff to discuss the problem, but the man would never let them examine the boil. This went on week after week. Eventually, the man dies from his malady. At his funeral the hospital staff spoke about how faithful he was to come every week. They had gotten to know him well and he had learned a lot about medicine while he was there. Over time he even had advised others that were there seeking medical assistance.

In this absurd story we get a glimpse of the modern church. Week after week, we come to hear. Week after week we come to praise and worship. Why? For what purpose? Isn’t there anything good on T.V. at 9:30 in the morning? Do we do it because our parents did it? Do we do it because our friends do it? Do we do it because we want our kids to be in church? Do we do it because we live like the devil Monday through Saturday and we need Sunday to “make things right”.

For me it is about doing what Jesus did. For me it is about following Jesus. Where did He go that I should follow Him? To the cross. Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God. He spoke and demonstrated another type of lifestyle. He showed us a way to live life where the needs of others took a higher priority than that of my own. He showed us a life where we don’t judge, but where we embrace. He showed us a life where we should be about the process of restoration, not separation. He showed us a life whereby we could participate in the healing of creation, not break it further. He showed us that God blesses those for the purpose of passing the blessing on to those who are in need. He showed us that we are an instrument of God’s grace and provision in this present world. He showed us how life is a grand symphony and that we all play a part. He showed us the tempo, pitch and key. He showed us how to focus on the conductor and play the great song in harmony with all creation. As his final act as God wrapped in flesh, he gave his life over to those who would brutally take it from Him. Just to show everyone that His life was His to give, He rose from the grave and lives with us today in the form of the Holy Spirit. He is alive and well and guides all people in truth.

Jesus’ life was one marked by doing. His life was one marked my mission. God so loved the world that he sent… The word mission means to send. God sent His son. Jesus spoke to His disciples and sent them. The Holy Spirit beckons everyone to come and follow. It beckons all to do what Jesus did. It calls for us to lay down our lives as Jesus did and do what He did. This is missional living and what I believe is true Christianity. That is why I am a Missional Christian.