Recently The Journey was visited by a magical, missional Australian elf with impeccable fashion sense. His name was Alan Hirsch and he spoke to us about living on mission, not as a program to tack onto our already busy schedules, but making missional living our schedule. It seemed to me that everything he said was already engrained in my DNA because the Holy Spirit is living in me. I’ve been reborn with an innate sense of mission.

Then why is it so easy for me to justify my choice of selfishness and comfort by saying, “I have to protect my family time?” Really what I’m saying is, “I don’t want to clean up the place for company, and then do all those dishes they leave behind,” or “I don’t want to get dressed and stand out in the heat and sweat.”

As I consider that my neighborhood is literally headed to Hell in part because of my laziness, I have been incredibly convicted. Aren’t people more valuable than a few extra minutes to clean up and a few drops of sweat? It’s amazing how easily we, the American Church, justify putting the light of the world under a bowl.

Don’t get me wrong, Amanda and I recognize the importance and need of quality family time. But we are intentionally shifting a large portion of our family time to model hospitality and generosity for our children. We want them to know that people matter to God and they matter to us. 2-4 times a week we are inviting people into our homes for meals and creating margin for spontaneous “play dates” with kids from Kinsey’s school and their parents. We are making an effort to be at school and community events and striving to get to know people.

Interestingly enough, making our family time about something bigger than ourselves has added a richness to our time together and we have felt more fulfilled than ever! It has had the complete opposite effect on our marriage than what our flawed arguments threatened. I suppose living in obedience can tend to have that effect on people.

May I suggest a few ideas and challenge you to experiment with living as a missionary right where you are?

- You eat dinner anyway. Invite your neighbors, co-workers, or even the person you met at the coffee shop over to eat with you. If you’re eating out, go to the same restaurants regularly and develop relationships with your waiters… TIP WELL.
- You’re going to a movie anyway. Invite people you don’t know very well to go with you. Movies spur on great conversation.
- You’re going to buy groceries anyway. Strive to go to the same grocery store every time and get the same cashier. Talk to them. Be friendly.

Little changes to our every day tasks can literally change the world when done intentionally with mission in mind. Begin to see the world as people who need Jesus, not just people inconveniently taking up real estate. Pray that God would help both you and me to think and live like a missionaries.