Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Transparency, Vulnerability, and Risk

There are a few things in our world that cause us unneeded pain and suffering. Climbing a tree and voluntarily falling out of it is one I can think of. Riding a behemoth called "Raging Bevo" to win an 8 second bell would be another.
But, how can these compare to the, almost inexcusable, act of freely allowing yourself to undergo humiliation, contradiction, misunderstanding, and public scrutiny?
Well, first you have to have "...a backbone a man cannot pass his hand through" as someone once said. Secondly, you have to be really (I mean 'really') secure in the truth of your faith in the Almighty. Read Psalm 130 then continue here.
Now, granted, some of us are such knuckleheads that we don't really 'give a rat's rearend', as my son would say, about how the world would scrutinize our passions. Perhaps such bullishness is a precursor to worthwhile activity. Perhaps it's just nonsense. Whatever, or however it may be, the risks of making inroads into others lives with the gospel of Christ produces uncomfortable situations for those of us who desire to do so. And, to desire to do so opens a door to wisdom that cannot be closed again. Oh, it may squeak and bang about a bit, but it will always allow access.
So, allowing such passion into our lives requires us to be transparent about who we are and what we're about. This is simply an ability to accept humiliation about our weaknesses and inabilities. If we think we can 'do all things', we'll find this out in short order. I we believe we can 'do all things through Christ...' the rough paths of ministry are made smoother, both mentally and emotionally.
The places we go to seek out folks will make us vulnerable to the elements and missional obstacles of those places. Remember how it was said of Jesus "...he eats and drinks with gluttons and drunks." The mere impressions of those who misunderstand can blanket us with the barbs of ridicule. But anywhere in life, at every corner this can be, and is, true. It is a lust engaged in excessively at all times and in all places. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in mission can also open up hearts to the passions we feel about others and allow a freedom of spirit, not only personally, but in others whom we are trying to reach out to. Folks who cannot allow themselves to be vulnerable will allow it somewhat if they realize that it is a two-way street. "Ask, and it shall be given...seek and you shall find." Be always ready to be uncomfortable.
This all sounds really risky, doesn't it? Well, what do you think? Would it be better to lay in wait, or run across the landscape? I prefer to run. So, if your heart desires what God's heart desires, allow the world to fall upon you, for in doing so the world just might meet Christ..........in you.