Let’s be careful out there!

Way back in the 1980’s, I was a fan of “Hill Street Blues,” a police drama set in the gritty urban streets of America. Just before dismissing his men from the roll call at the beginning of their shift, Sgt. Esterhaus would say, “Let’s be careful out there!” Disciple, you’re headed out to work today where most of you will spend 8-10 hours with people that are without a love for God, materialistic, and focused on this present world. We need not fear that world. In fact that would be a mistake, since we are called to bring His Light to dark places. We will not fulfill that mission unless we leave our safe places! And yet, we need to be careful out there.

The Scripture says, "Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm." (Ephesians 6:10-13, NLT)

Disciple, God wants you to be different – not odd, not weird for weirdness’ sake – but distinct from those who are godless! We are owned by Him, representing Him, making Him known! Jesus reminds us of the unique calling we have: “You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage." (Matthew 5:13, The Message) We bring love to places full of hatred. We bring peace into confusion. We live purposefully among people who ‘wander in darkness.’ We care for those considered worthless.

But, there is always a risk, if we fail to practice spiritual disciplines that invite the inflow of the Spirit’s renewal, growing sloppy about our high calling. "Watch yourself, or you also may be tempted." (Galatians 6:1, NIV)

Let me urge you at the beginning of this Holy Week, to renew your commitment to the call of God. Intentionally, prayerfully, present yourself to the Lord before you engage your world. Ask Him to keep your heart and mind aware of His Presence, to lead you to those who are hungry for God. Begin to pray for one or two with whom you spend hours each day, asking the Spirit to build a bridge through you. And, remember, we have a real Adversary who doesn’t fight fair, so let’s be careful out there!
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I know not why God's wondrous grace
To me He hath made known;
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me.
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

But "I know whom I have believed,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I've committed,
Unto Him against that day."

I Know Whom I Have Believed
Whittle, Major Daniel W. / McGranahan, James
© Public Domain