And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15
Have you ever played the license plate game while on a road trip? I love this game! There is even an app for it now. I’m only missing plates from Hawaii, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Washington, DC and I have just been playing the game around my hometown. I can’t say that I’ve connected with people from 47 states, but our paths have crossed in the broadest sense of the word.
In our highly mobile society it’s no surprise to meet people from all over the country or even all over the world right in our own backyard. Right now at the supermarket just 2 miles from my house there are several employees who have recently immigrated to our country as refugees fleeing persecution in their own country.
Some Christians are called to go to foreign countries and share the Good News of Jesus, while others are just called to go to the grocery store. People everywhere need Jesus and in many ways the world seems to be getting smaller.
Look around you. Look around your neighborhood. Maybe your neighbors aren’t hungry for food, but they are hungry for hope. Everyday people are hurting, lonely, isolated, discouraged and disconnected. As Christians we have God’s love to share with those we encounter through His divine appointment whether it’s at work, school, or out in the front yard.
You don’t have to go on a mission trip to another country to be a missionary. All Christians are all called to go preach the gospel and make disciples. Maybe you’re only called to go to your front door. Once a year we have the unique opportunity to connect with our neighbors who will be coming to our homes for trick or treating. Even though Halloween isn’t my favorite day, I do love that all the neighborhood is out greeting and talking to each other. What kind of creatures will cross your front lawn this week and ring your doorbell? Behind Darth Vader, Cinderella, Superman, or Snow White there is a child. And behind the child there is usually a parent, a neighbor, a person who God is bringing right up to your front door. How will you take this opportunity to welcome a stranger, to practice hospitality or love your neighbor? As you go to your front door or your front yard this week, will you share the love of Christ with those God brings to you?