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The Importance of Living Out Your Faith In Your Own Neighborhood
Let’s talk honestly about where God has planted you. So many Christians are eager to serve God, but they imagine that meaningful ministry always happens overseas, in big churches, or on some grand stage. Yet, in God’s eyes, some of the most powerful moments of witness happen right over your backyard fence, at the mailbox, or in the ordinary places where you live your everyday life.
When Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth…You are the light of the world,” (Matthew 5:13-14, ESV) He wasn’t talking to megachurch pastors or career missionaries. He was talking to regular followers of Christ. He was talking to fishermen, moms, blue-collar workers, folks like you and me. Salt preserves and influences whatever it touches. Light chases away darkness, not just from a distance, but right where it shines. And it disinfects!
Here’s the challenge: most of us are surrounded by people looking for hope, but we’ve gotten used to keeping our faith private, as if believing in Jesus is just a “personal” deal. But real faith, living and active faith, pushes out into our neighborhoods and the rhythms of ordinary life. If Christ has changed us, our neighbors ought to notice, not because we’re loud or pushy, but because the gospel overflows in how we care, serve, and speak. There should be something attractive about the way we live our lives.
Sometimes, Christians think evangelism means shoving a tract in someone’s hand or cornering them with a speech about heaven and hell. And yes, we must be ready to proclaim the truth (Romans 10:14), but so much of reaching our neighbors starts with doing the little things well. Are you known as someone who actually listens? Do people see you helping shovel snow, grill a few extra hot dogs at the cookout, or offer a quiet prayer during a tough moment?
Living out your faith means approaching ordinary encounters as divine appointments. Pray for your neighbors by name. Prayer walk your own community on a weekly basis. Notice the family whose car hasn’t moved, maybe they’re struggling and afraid to ask for help. Strike up real conversations, get beyond weather and sports and learn your neighbor’s story. Let your actions open the door for conversations about what (or Who) makes your life different.
But let’s be clear: this isn’t about just being a “nice person.” Salt and light impact their environment. Being salt means standing for truth and goodness, even if it’s unpopular. Being light means refusing to join in gossip, bitterness, or despair, but instead speaking words of encouragement, showing forgiveness, and being quick to say, “I’ll pray for you”or even better, “Can I pray for you right now?”
You don’t have to put on a show. Authenticity is key. Neighbors can smell fake Christianity a mile away. Be honest about your struggles, quick to apologize when you blow it, and open about the difference Jesus is making in your life. Over time, this kind of living gets noticed. And when opportunities to share the reason for your hope come (1 Peter 3:15), you’ll already have earned the right to be heard.
If we want to reach Brunswick for Christ, it won’t start from a stage or a church service; it begins when each one of us says, “My neighborhood is my mission field.” This week, ask God: Who can I serve? Who can I listen to? Where can I bring light where there’s darkness, and preserve hope where things feel like they’re falling apart?
At The Crossings, let’s commit to being the most encouraging, generous, and grace-filled neighbors around. And not for our own reputation, but because Jesus lives in us, and He loves this town even more than we do. Your neighborhood isn’t an accident, it’s your calling. Let’s get after it, one driveway, front porch, and backyard barbecue at a time.
Pastor Justin |
