i’ve had a question floating around in my head for several days now. what are we doing to reach out into the community around us? and i mean, right now. i am glad that we have the outreach programs that we do throughout the year. they’re great, and plenty of people come out. but i’m not satisfied with just those. we don’t need to have some big program going on as our motivation to get into the community. sure, it opens doors, and sure people are affected in a very positive way. i am not knocking what we do…but i want to do more.

collide on sunday nights is going to be one way, one more step into a more consistent outreach into the community. and i have some plans for how to make that more proactive on our end, but i still want more.

if i can be dissatisfied for Jesus, is that okay? i am not dissatisfied with the church by any stretch, or in any way. my concern is that there are so many families and individuals around the church (in the apartments, really) that we need to reach. i can’t wait for warm weather to come back around, so we can get back out actively into the neighborhood.

so, while i wait, i want to ask myself “what am i doing?” how are we going to take the next step in involving our church family with more of the community that lives right around our building. if i could find some way to get around the ‘no soliciting’ rules, i would. i really wish there was some loophole we could work through. we need to figure out a way to get in there, legally and kindly.

that being said, paul was talking to the church in corinth about the appearance of Christ followers and our struggle with the world. he spoke of our weapons of righteousness…which is a funny statement. if you know me at all, you’ll know that i would make a terrible soldier in a real life army. i am not a fighter in that regard. i would just as soon shoot someone as i would purposefully drive into oncoming traffic. it’s not in me to do those sort of things.

but as a Christ follower, i am in the midst of a very real battle on a day to day basis. that’s one reason why i don’t watch much (if any) tv…it’s all enemy propaganda. i don’t need that garbage in my head. if i am supposed to wield the weapons of righteousness every day, i need to remain unsullied, as much as i can…and they are these:

purity – which keeps us distinct from the world around us, and set aside for God’s use

understanding – which allows us the ability to interact with our waylaid family members without being harsh and judgmental

patience – which reflects the heart of God. He continues to exercise it with us, so we should afford it to others as we all grow

kindness – which opens doors, and hearts. it allows us to work in all situations

the Holy Spirit – our ever present Guide, Comforter, Teleprompter and Shaper of our conscience

sincere love – which permeates every aspect of all that we do, 24/7/365, beyond opening doors, it reveals our motivations and true concern

truthful speech – so that no one can doubt our intentions, and that God’s glory remains in the forefront, not our own

the power of God – which holds together our very being, motivates our hearts, strengthens our bones, controls our tongues, focuses our minds, softens our hearts, and rives us forward beyond the enemy lines…

(paul’s list not mine)

i hope and pray that i can effectively wield these daily. God knows it is a struggle for me, but i trust that He can help me do it.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 john 1:9