Living in a Bubble

Living in a Bubble

Presidential observers say that one of the things that changes the occupant of the Oval office most is the bubble of privilege that surrounds him. He is served by a circle of people who are paid to do what he says, whose goal is to advance his agenda, who are in their role because they agree with his points of view. Presidents don't shop for groceries, pump gas, or wait in traffic. The bubble can, and often does, skew the way in which he understands the world in which he lives.

For the past year, the elders of our church have worked on ways of deepening the ties that people in our congregation have with each other. We asked ourselves, "How can we help others form the kinds of connections that turn Christians into disciples, that multiplies our individual effectiveness in our service to Christ, that steadies us when severe trials come?" Can it happen without drawing people into a bubble that isolates them from the very world we are called to save and serve?

I remember a by-gone era when it was no exaggeration to say, "the church is my life!" Sundays were packed full - Sunday School class at 9:30, worship at 11, some kind of ministry in the afternoon, youth group at 6, evening service at 7:30! Wednesday night found us back at church for Bible Study/prayer meeting/kids' activities. More often than not, at least one other evening during the week was taken up with some activity with others from the church. We formed deep, lasting attachments. My best friends in life came from that time! Some amazing and wonderful Kingdom work was done by people who were dedicated to Christ and His Church. There was a downside, too. There was an elitism, a clear 'us versus them' mindset, that colored every interaction. We lived in a kind of bubble that skewed our perception of the real world, too.

Christians balance being called into Christ's fellowship and being sent out to serve the world. In a real sense, we are part of a exclusive circle! The Bible says we " are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26-28, NIV) One need not be a theologians to know that being 'in Christ' makes us different and demands a distinctive life characterized by holiness. At the same time we are sent out, commissioned by Christ to "go into all the world and preach the Gospel." (Mark 16:15)

Reflect on this word from the Word. May the Spirit help each one of us to avoid the isolation of the bubble while remaining God's own.

"You are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, his very own possession. This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. "Once you were not a people; now you are the people of God. Once you received none of God's mercy; now you have received his mercy."

Dear brothers and sisters, you are foreigners and aliens here. So I warn you to keep away from evil desires because they fight against your very souls. Be careful how you live among your unbelieving neighbors. Even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will believe and give honor to God when he comes to judge the world.

For the Lord's sake, accept all authority-... It is God's will that your good lives should silence those who make foolish accusations against you. You are not slaves; you are free. But your freedom is not an excuse to do evil. You are free to live as God's slaves. Show respect for everyone. Love your Christian brothers and sisters. Fear God." (1 Peter 2:9-17, NLT)