I need a helpful reminder every now and then to take a moment and look around, to pray and ask God to show Himself and His activities, both in my circumstances and also in the lives of those around me.
The easiest way to do "ministry" is to invite someone to come with me to where I go for fellowship, teaching, and encouragement. But what if they are not ready to step into my subculture? Then I am the closest that they will come to Jesus, right where I am. My friend and I already have a common bond, a connection: work, housing/neighborhood, similar recreational interests. Those are the venues God can use to connect me with people who may have a deep spiritual yearning, but aren't ready to move out of the comfort and safety of their world and into the strange world of mine.
I would much rather put myself in their world, where I am the one faced with unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations rather than expect them to risk stepping into mine. And if we do share common interests, chances are it won't be all that strange for me anyway. Let me be the risk-taker; isn't that what faith is all about?
So, I trust God that "right where I am - where I live, work, and play - God is working not only in my life, but He is actively engaged in drawing others around me to Himself. The most relevant expression of authentic life in Christ for them is me living out my faith in the same circumstances in which they live daily, under the radar, not dependent upon a program or an agenda.
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)
