tagged 
mission
mission Monday's Meditation: Mickey Mouse or Mission?
Monday, October 26, 2009 at 07:53PM One of my on-line friends took his kids to Disneyland this summer. He’s seriously addicted to Twitter, so with the help of his iPhone the rest of us got to experience the day as well. He spent a ton of money and dove into the whole Mickey Mouse experience. His final Tweet from Anaheim that day: “We have left the park--now what do we do with these mouse ears?”
His experience outside the park was a parable for followers of Jesus. What happens if we are so heavily invested in the church-world that we look ridiculous outside the church? It’s one thing to be a fan of Mickey Mouse inside an exclusive park where everyone is a fan. It’s quite another to represent him out in the real world. And I wonder, are foam ears the best way to do so?
Another question: what if our devotion to Jesus only finds expression in the “safe” environment of the church building? Is it really devotion to Jesus? Jesus created his church, but he did not create houses of worship. [Author’s note: insert the usual disclaimer. “There’s nothing wrong with church buildings. I even like some of them!”] He directed his followers into the world. This should not be surprising, since he created the world and operates from the perspective that the world belongs to him. The church’s venue is all the earth. It’s his, and he wants it back. When all of creation had turned its back on the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, the triune God determined to take judgment on himself in order to win back the world. Jesus said it this way: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3: 17)
As students of Jesus, we have the same mission, and the church exists in mission, not buildings.
Reader Comments (6)
Just a note - what looks ridiculous (inside or outside the church) is very subjective.
My husband and I, though both raised in Christian homes, were raised in very different environments, and when we see others following Christ in a way that shows up outwardly (clothing, speech, etc) we tend to have very different opinions on whether or not that is "normal", "weird", etc.
I guess what I'm saying is that what might look ridiculous to one person, might be what touches another in a positive way.
Thanks for the needed balance. I hestitated posting this Monday Memo because of the implied criticism.
I believe of course there is a balance - yet on the whole my experience has always been that many Christians fail to translate our beliefs to the outside world in any meaningful manner. If we have very little root in ourselves, the slightest disagreement or disparaging remark can make many freeze up. It is a good reminder. We all must be able to laugh at ourselves and know our strengths and our weaknesses.
And Ray - truth is truth! =) Of course truth without love is brutal, yet it is a rare commodity these days. Speak (ok write) boldly as God and scripture prompt. Great is your reward dear brother.
i really appreciate this perspective ray...i know there have been times in my life where i have been over-invested in what happens within the walls of a building, rather than being sent to join Jesus in His mission in the world...
Thanks for the needed balance. I hestitated posting this Monday Memo because of the implied criticism.
i really appreciate this perspective ray...i know there have been times in my life where i have been over-invested in what happens within the walls of a building, rather than being sent to join Jesus in His mission in the world...