Quote: Mission Work In America

“The North American Christian community today is in a missionary location….There are two obstacles, however, that must be overcome in trying to take our missionary location seriously. One is that many people in today’s Christian community are too fond of the culture that makes up our missionary location [e.g. Christians addicted to American materialism, the god of technology and pop culture]. The other is that many people in the Christian community are too disdainful of this culture [e.g. Christian separatists, legalists and the 'angry at the world' religious Right].”

- Richard Mouw, “The Missionary Location of the North American Churches,” inConfident Witness – Changing World, ed. Craig Van Gelder

(ht:ap)

I found this quote to be challenging on multiple levels.  One, it reminds us of the great mission field that we live in, America.  Second, it calls us to inquire within whether or not we are embracing that challenge.  Are we too in love with the world to be desirous of it being transformed?  If you love something too much you really don’t want it changed.  When this comes to sin and worldliness this is a real spiritual problem.  Or there is the second problem of being too separate to be able to help those who are lost and dying.  If all we ever do is bash and hate the world then it will be difficult for us to relate in love to the world.  

Jude reminds us of the need to find this balance

17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They [6] said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment [7] stained by the flesh. (ESV)