Have you ever thought of yourself as an invader? Well, you should, because we all are "invaders" in someone's life. In our communities we often find ourselves invading the lives of others with our own personal agendas. We see it all the time...
The salesman who comes knocking on our door offering us the next best thing, or the telemarketer calling us to get our support for the most worthy of causes, or even our friends or neighbors inviting us to participate in their favorite pastimes. These all really can be invasions into our already busy lives.
The church is not exempt from this problem with invasions. As a matter of fact we are pretty bad at it. How many times has the church (pastor or other person) told you to "share your faith" or "bring someone to church"? These are INVASIONS!!! We are assuming a great deal. We are assuming that we have something that they want to hear - which is not always the case. When you visit someone for the first time, how do you react? What is your agenda?
We have been trying to very intentionally build a new way into Living Truth Ministries. Over the past several months a couple of us from the church have been meeting up at a local bar/restaurant for a couple of drinks, appetizers, and some great conversation. We are not going in as invaders rather we are there as insiders. We could almost be considered "regulars."
So - what's the difference? The biggest difference is that an invader is there to push something on someone, while an insider is present simply to be a part of the culture. How can you move from an invader to an insider? Which of these two did we see Jesus model for us: was He an invader or an insider?
The most correct answer is that Jesus was both - sometimes both at the same time. It's possible to be an invader for someone, while being an insider in their life. Jesus invaded the lives of the Pharisees, when He showed them a new way - but the method He used with them was often that of an insider.
An insider's focus is on relationships, while an invader's focus is on his or her own personal agenda. God's call us for us to live in this world - not as invaders but as INSIDERS. With whom are you an insider?
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2 comments:
Good info in the blog. Just as you stated. An invader is coming in un-announced and un-invited. Were as an insider. You can allow people to come to you. If you draw your strength from Christ, people will see that in your actions. And will want to be around people they enjoy.
That's the point - we're not pushing this on anyone. If someone wants to know more, let them ask. The point is simple - build relationships with people for the sake of the gospel and leave it there. Jesus never commanded us to push his message on anyone, but He did command us to love everyone. That is the premise behind the insider...
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