Missional

There's something about the term "missional" that seems to make me shudder each time I hear it. Ideologically, a missional lifestyle sounds great to me. I believe that the Great Commission is a call that applies to all believers regardless of class, vocation, gender, age or position. The pastor, the teacher, the missionary, the lawyer, the mechanic, the student, the waitress - whoever you are, whatever you are doing, wherever you are - as a member of the body of Christ, you are called to help fulfill the Great Commission. Step out in faith and make connections with others. If someone hadn't said and done things in your life, how would you have heard? You can go and do likewise. Share Christ's love with others. Live in light of the truth of the Gospel - you were bought for a price and are no longer your own; Christ died and rose again for you and for all humanity. Make the most of every opportunity that you are given to glorify the Lord. Every part of your life has the potential to be God-honoring.

Faith cannot and should not be your own and nothing more. What does the life of a "Sunday morning Christian" show to the world? It shows that the believer, if indeed the person has truly been saved, is a lazy and greedy servant. He or she refuses to give to the Lord what Christ already bought with His blood. It is by living out our entire lives as a testimony to our Lord and Redeemer that He is glorified. Yes, sin will be apparent at points in our lives, but Christ is the focus. Sin can even be a powerful part of our testimonies because of how Christ takes our brokenness, our ugly "real person" traits, and changes us. It's not about integrating the lingo into your vernacular - everyone and everything is so "blessed" or needs or involves "mercies" or "grace." Just live for your Lord with every part of your being, every moment. If that sounds unpleasant to you, it's time to evaluate who you are and what you claim to believe. If work time is being compartmentalized and separated from your identity in Christ, it's time to make a decision about who you are in light of Christ. There are no time-outs for sin sprees. He calls us to be willing to give up all that we have to be with Him - are we up for the challenge?

An interesting website that provides an overview of missional churches and missional living is Friend of Missional. As I understand it, missional ideology has a lot to do with non-institutionalized Christian living with a focus on reaching out to everyone everywhere and fulfilling the missio dei. Splendid. But be sure to keep it Christian. There is so much "borrowed" from other religions that should have no part in the Christian life or practice. For example, why would Christians practice yoga? We must not draw people in with pseudo-Christianity. Living missionally can be done and can be effective. As believers, wherever you are and whatever you do - be salt and light in this lost and dying world.