Love Thy Neighbor and Thy City

Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge: "Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers.  And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy.  Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood.  Tell them that the kingdom is here.  Bring health to the sick.  Raise the dead.  Touch the untouchables.  Kick out the demons.  You have been treated generously, so live generously." - Matt. 10:5-8 (The Message)

Here at Christ For the City, our vision is that there would be "No place without a witness, no church without a vision, and no person without hope."  And we believe that this starts with cities, hence the name of our organization.  An article came in my inbox today, written by Tim Keller.  It's titled  "A Vision to Reach the City."  Keller mentions in the article that "Per capita, the cities are really underchurched and they're getting more underchurched all the time."  He says, "Churches, denominations and mission organizations must do more to try to reach the growing urban population around the world."  Cities are growing at a faster rate for the first time in over a century.  And not just in the United States, but globally.  You can read the rest of the article here: http://www.outreachmagazine.com/people/4932-tim-keller-a-vision-to-reach-the-city.html?p=1.

The Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership says that, as of May 2011, Omaha, Nebraska has a population of 408,958.  A year-and-a-half later, that number has increased by almost 20,000.  This does not include the surrounding Greater Omaha Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) and the more than 1.2 million people that live within an easy sixty minute drive of Omaha.  Where do you live?  I would encourage you to do some research on the demographics in your area--a quick internet search would put this information at your fingertips.  

The Pew Forum on Religious and Public Life released a report earlier this month.  The name of this report is called "'Nones' on the Rise: One-in-Five Adults Have No Religious Affiliation."  On one hand, the title alone is enough to shock us.  On the other hand, though, why should we be surprised?  When we look at what is running rampant through our society--pornography, alcohol and drug addiction, idol worship, homosexuality, broken homes, violence, a me-centered philosophy--it's easy to agree that one-in-five adults have no religious affiliation.

Here's what the Pew Forum says:

The number of Americans who do not identify with any religion continues to grow at a rapid pace. One-fifth of the U.S. public – and a third of adults under 30 – are religiously unaffiliated today, the highest percentages ever in Pew Research Center polling.  In the last five years alone, the unaffiliated have increased from just over 15% to just under 20% of all U.S. adults. Their ranks now include more than 13 million self-described atheists and agnostics (nearly 6% of the U.S. public), as well as nearly 33 million people who say they have no particular religious affiliation (14%).

If you care to thumb through the report, here's the link: http://www.pewforum.org/uploadedFiles/Topics/Religious_Affiliation/Unaffiliated/NonesOnTheRise-full.pdf.

Why do I mention these scores of people?  And why do I acknowledge the apathetic?  I talk about them, because Jesus talked about them.  Not only did Jesus talk about them, he addressed their sin.  He loved on them.  He showed them an inordinate amount of grace and mercy.  He wasn't afraid to hang out with them in public (Matt. 9, Luke 19).  Jesus did it right and I think we have a thing or two or much to learn from Him on how to love thy neighbor and thy city.

Jesus' attitude and actions are a challenge for me.  Far too often, I find myself living my easy Christian life.  On Sunday morning, I go to church with Christians.  On Tuesday and Thursday nights, I again hang out with Christians through my Bible Studies.  Monday-Friday, I work in an office with some pretty amazing Christians.  And somewhere along the line, I've forgotten about the unchurched, the apathetic, and the unreached.  It's time that I pull out my Bible and refresh myself on the principles and teachings therein.

"Stand up for me against world opinion and I'll stand up for you before my Father in heaven.  If you turn tail and run, do you think I'll cover for you?  Don't think I've come to make life cozy....  This a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it.  It's best to start small.  Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance.  The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice.  You won't lose out on a thing." - Matt. 10:32-34, 42

Be blessed,

Julie