SHOE ON THE OTHER FOOT: "O" IS FOR OBSERVANT

Oh, we’re at the O in MISSIONARY. We’ve looked at Motivated, Impactful, Servant-hearted, Strategic and Intentionally Indigenous. O stands for Observant. Meriam-Webster defines observant as having a double meaning — paying strict attention (watchful, keen) and being careful in observing rites, laws or customs (mindful). In other words, they should have strict obedience to those rites, laws and customs. Wow, strict attention and strict obedience!

How does that translate for us? By putting the shoe on the other foot, we are attempting a sort of out-of-body experience to examine our missiological approach as BMA churches. Can we say this observant idea is an indictment? Can we be that honest and objective?

How does it play out if we are to live up to our middle name? I think pastors and churches (through their pastors or mission pastors) should be well-informed about world regions, cultures and affairs. Forgive me, but there is so much ignorance about these things, starting with world geography.

We lack being observant when we make assumptions based on hearsay or political bias. Some pastors lack the zeal to read and research. In this time and age, information is power. I truly believe this kind of awareness, in addition to biblical awareness, was the intent of Paul when he advised Timothy, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God…” (II Tim. 2:15 NKJV). This diligence should also include awareness of what’s going on in the world.

Although the media and politicians might attempt to manipulate our minds one way or the other, if we want to be strategic in planning our missions efforts, we need information. So, the task demands that we do our due diligence and listen to multiple news sources, even with conflicting perspectives (i.e. CNN vs. Fox News). The more sources, the merrier. Then look for where information intersects, and you will get a glimpse of what’s real and what’s fake. When there is further need, you can filter the news through missionaries on the field or regional coordinators who are usually aware of what’s going on. There are websites that offer news analysis, subscribe to reputable ones and read about the region of interest. When you do that, you are able to make more intelligent decisions about missions strategy.

We have real examples today. Do not take sides with or against but look at the ministry in Ukraine and Russia. Obviously, any decision on that will be influenced by our outlook on the current conflict. Most Americans have sided with Ukraine. Fine! I respect that. We tend to side with the victim. That is honorable. But here’s a question for you: Have you ever wondered why Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in the first place? What if they were justified? What is the role of the US and Europe in pushing Russia into this quagmire? Was it intended to keep Russia busy at the expense of the Ukrainian people so they wouldn’t meddle in other areas of the world? Just asking! I am not a conspiracy theorist. I am just a realist. After attempting to understand the scene, we can make reasonable strategic decisions on how we approach missions in that part of the world. It will also impact which politicians we support at the ballot box as Christians.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a very thorny issue. We tend to be pro-Israel by default. Now, let me ask you: Have you studied the history of this conflict in order to have an educated, biblical opinion on the matter? What about differing eschatological views on Israel? What about understanding historical events? What about understanding that what we might consider to be a biblical view is not accepted by those from a Muslim background? We expect them to accept that view, but that is not going to happen. So, in short, we side with Israel no matter what and accept all the misery that is happening in Gaza as God’s way of fulfilling prophecy.

Now, let’s put the shoe on the other foot. If you were a Palestinian Christian or a Messianic Jew, how would you feel if fellow Christians condoned these atrocities in either direction? Didn’t Jesus die for these innocent civilians, no matter their ethnic, religious or national background? Would you condone what’s happening if it were happening to you, your country or your family? Would you look at that situation from the perspective of Jesus? When we do that with the Master’s eyes — observe the pitiful condition of the depraved humanity, the need, the opportunities and the available resources — we are able to make loving and careful missional decisions.

The question is not if you are pro this or that. It is how you can make an educated biblical assessment based on an unbiased study of all available information on the subject, then convey it to the church in a manner only biased toward the salvation of many through experiencing the love of Jesus and the power of the gospel. As we observe the world around us, our mission should be shaped by the gospel and love of Jesus.

When we are observant in understanding the truth about world events, we are then observant of the commands of Christ in reaching the world with the gospel. Remember, being observant involves strict attention and strict obedience. The aim is not just to gather knowledge but to know what to do with that knowledge. Do not allow your mind to be turned in one direction concerning world affairs and fail to act based on the commission of God to His church. Do not allow anyone, including the media, to brainwash you. Only the love of God and His grace should constrain us (brainwash us).

That was quite a mental exercise while wearing the shoe on the other foot. May it hurt our brain, heart and conscience until we are genuinely moved with the compassion of Christ to be agents of peace and redemption. If it is starting to hurt, take two aspirins and email me in the morning.