unless you’re the apostle paul or an active missionary in a place that isn’t your original home, it probably feels pretty difficult to live a missional life. where’s the balance, and what is “balance” really when it comes to a missional life?

the problem comes from seeking a balance in the first place. balance implies that there is a part of your life that conforms to a pattern that answers Christ’s call to “go, therefore” and the part of your life that is your own, to live in a way that you see fit, for your own purposes.

taking up your cross is a full time gig. you don’t pick it up and put it down as convenience lends. living a life for Christ means taking the time to give all your time away to Him. we cannot seek a balance. It’s all or nothing.

So, living a missional life involves much more than just an enthusiast’s bent. Instead, it is a literal taking of shedding the old man, your life apart from God’s reign and direction, and a putting on of Christ for the remainder of your “natural” life. balance equals compromise and compromise leaves no one happy, and goals unfulfilled on both sides.

if you don’t believe me, just try walking on both side of a fence at one time. right foot on one side, left foot on the other posts and rails in their usual place. it won’t work. and finding a shorter fence just means that you’ve rationalized your position to a lower standard, and you’re still in the wrong place.

so, no balance can be found if you want to be authentic in what you’re doing for the sake of God and His Kingdom. your life must truly be dedicated to Him at all times in all things.

so first question again, what does a missional life look like? can you be missional and live in your hometown? yes.
can you live a missional life and speak the same language you were born into? yes. does living a missional life mean that you have to live in stranger’s homes and eat at the shelter? no. does it mean you have to be homeless? no.

living a missional life means that you make the effort to take Christ to those places where you know people don’t know Him. that may be next door, it may be one office or cubicle over, it may be in town somewhere. it could even be in your own home. wherever it may be, as long as you are bringing Christ into the life of those around you who don’t know Him like you do.

it’s not as hard as it sounds. it’s just a matter of living your life in a way that honors Christ, and keeps the Good News on the move.  it what all Christians are supposed to be doing. nothing more, nothing less. each life will be lived differently, with different influences, but all with the same pupose and end.

living a missional life is totally possible. is just has to be intentional…something you -want- to do.  and that’s where you must make the choice. it’s not a switch to flip, and all changes take place. it’s a purposeful persuit and a passionate plodding. you keep going because it’s what drives you. you keep telling people because you just can’t help it anymore.

don’t feel bad if you’re not there yet. you can be…just push forward and keep trying. keep refocusing your motives through Jesus, and you’ll get there.