You have probably read this at one time or another. I have. But when I saw it again this morning it just did a number on me:
When the great sixteenth-century reformer John Knox prayed, “Lord, give me Scotland or I die, ” he sensed the Lord responding, “Die, John Knox, and I will give you Scotland.”
I live in the small town of Spencer, IN, population about 3,000 with Owen County (OC) having a population of about 21,000. OC is really spread out so to use that number sounds like, “WOW! You live in a pretty densely populated area.” You would be “off” a little. OC is the second lowest income county of Indiana and the #1 Meth producer (if you knew how much farmland there is you would understand that latter stat). Quite a distinction you know? In November, Jo & I start our 6th year here as I pastor of this church.
Why am I saying all this? Because I gotta wonder what sort of impact we are making in our community. I’m not talking about the county but the community in which our people live, move and breathe. The same community I live in but, ashamedly, barely know my neighbors except to say hi. Maybe, just maybe, I need to pray this prayer and insert my community and my name in it.
Any thoughts? Do you know your neighbors? Do you find yourself having an impact upon them? Would you consider praying this? If we do, maybe one town at a time we can make a difference.
I live in a city of about 130K. I hate to admit I don’t know my neighbors. Two weeks ago, I was doing yard work and my next door neighbor came over to introduce herself. She asked when I moved in. I reluctantly told her two years ago.
There is something wrong with this scenario.
Sounds like a big prayer. How many of us are truly ready to repeat it at the cost of the responsibility that comes with it?
Oh.. and I hope you will consider doing a guest spot on my blog.
Michael: Yours and mine both.
Tony: You have picked up on the crux of the matter: the responsibility. Good question.
And yes.
I too am a rural pastor – only 450 people live in the village I live in and about 16,000 in the whole county. I am getting to know some of the neighbors but some of them I have never met and it breaks my heart. I lived in a city with millions and knew the same amount of people – that is why it breaks my heart.
I have prayed similar prayers along the way. I desire to see Christ make an impact but now is time for action and not just desire.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jim for your honesty. You and I are in the same type of situation. Action is definitely needed.
I appreciate your Pastor’s heart for your community. My family is part of a church plant and we so desire to change our community as well. Dying to self is a good start.
Thanks Jay. I appreciate and admire people willing to part of a church plant.
GREAT point!! I live in metro Atlanta so there are ton’s of folks. Do I know more than a handful of my neighbors?? NO, and I have lived here TEN YEARS…. I am gonna pray it, and Tony, yes I am a little fearful but here goes!!
Thanks,
Hi Cycleguy,
I go through stages with my neighbors. Sometimes I interact a bit with a few and then things taper off again. Most of my contact occurs with four other families that live on the same street that I do. I’m not the best neighbor in the world. I like to have some distance from my near neighbors so that we don’t overwhelm each other with demands for each of our time and space.
On Halloween evening one year my granddaughter and I went down my street knocking on doors, and singing kids songs for candy. I met more of the people living on my street that way. I moved into my 1/2 duplex 5 years ago. I have been thinking on and off about having a neighbor barbeque party and inviting the neighbors across the backalley that live on the next street but that hasn’t materialized. I’m involved in a legal battle with my former husband. I am being selfish with my time right now and I’m devoting it to trying to bring this matrimonial matter to a satisfactory ending. At least that’s what I keep telling myself. Any thoughts?
This is all I could offer this morning, admittedly, I have a hard time adding the death part:)
I pray that the Holy Spirit puts you in the path of each individual in your community and guides you in your communications with every one of them. Bill the Cycle Guy, I pray that you can share the love of Christ in unique and special ways.
Tom: way to go! I know I need to get a little more involved in my own neighborhood.
Linda: I think we all tend to go through stages depending a lot on what we have going on. You will find the time when the time is right. As for the matrimonial thing: I am so far removed from it that I have no advice. however, God can use it to open doors. If He presents them walk through them trusting. There have got to be other hurting people around you. Why not have the party and allow yourself some freedom from the hassle and simply enjoy yourself?
Jessica: thanks for visiting my blog! Yeah, the death part is the hard part isn’t it? Thank you for your prayer. I can pray the same for you.
The sad part Bill is we are also #1 in the state in teen pregnancy and at this time have over 40 children on a waiting list needing a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) to speak for them during the legal process while they are in the foster care system. I don’t know how many kids we actually have in the system at this time
You are right, but it isn’t just you, there are many of fus that need to take more of an interest. I would be ashamed if I had to face Christ right now and try to explain why I haven’t done more to help the people in our community.
Thanks for taking the time to write this. It helps to reassure me on a decision I’ve been working on for almost four years now.
Danaye: I had seen that in one of your emails but it came after I wrote this. Babies having babies is sad and it is even sadder that we are #1. I am praying we can help change that somehow. You are welcome.