Missional Monday Meme

The intro to Jamie’s meme:

“The life of the Christian should be burning with such a light of holiness that by their very example and conduct, their life will be a rebuke to the wicked.”

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1. Consider aspects of our culture where we have too easily compromised, issues that you passionately oppose.

2. Then, ask yourself what it would mean for you, both as and individual and as a part of a community, to be a living alternative. Write about it.

3. Link back here to this post.

4. Tag others to participate.
(Feel free to join in if you are inspired and link back to Jamie.)

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Pardon me for rephrasing Francis, yet when I read the above phrase, this is what I see…

“The life of the Christian should be burning with such a light of wholeness that by their very example and conduct, their life will be a rebuke to the wickedness that attempted to enslave them.”

God’s people should be a reflection of His kingdom – a living expression of wholeness, redemption, and shalom. In a world of sin – which is nothing more than the symptom/result of brokenness – there is a desperate need for people who have embraced the love of God and are beginning to live in the freedom available to us.

I passionately oppose the lies of the enemy and the disfiguring shame that accompanies those lies. Overall, I am sorry to say that Christianity has failed to be a message of hope and reconciliation. By presenting the gospel in a package of religion and rules, we have often failed to truly extend the grace of God to those who need deliverance and restoration from the pain of sin.

I think that to be a living alternative as both an individual and as a community begins by growing in grace ourselves, living in an ever-greater degree of wholeness and peace in our lives. In our relationships we demonstrate acceptance and inclusion and oppose the forces of rejection and abandonment. We live out of wholeness and security in order to truly be able to pour our lives in service to others. We become free, and then we reach a hand to others in accessing their freedom and healing also.