Ridgell's Originals

I get the emotions surrounding the recent questions about the United States and refugees.

But I think Christians are missing the point.

I understand the concern for safety, but we Christians are always in danger because we are living in a fallen world.  Our history is to be persecuted because we are at war and we live in the land of the enemy.  Christians rise above our fear every day.

I appreciate the concern for what Jesus would do, but that has not one thing to do with what America should or should not do.  America is not a Christian nation so do not argue about what Jesus would do in a political context.  There is no political system that is Christian.  Nor will there be.

But here is the question I really think Christians must be asking.

What am I going to do personally as a follower of Jesus when I encounter refugees?

I live in Abilene and we get a lot of refugees.  I assume that will continue.  At Southern Hills we have really tried to reach out to them.  We have especially been involved with the Bhutanese refugees.  We have done some things well and some not so well.  But somewhere around 60 of these refugees have become my brothers and sisters over the past few years.

But having said that, most of my congregation have never interacted with them.  Not served them, not been in their homes or had them in their homes, not shared Jesus.  It has been a radical commitment from a small group of a couple of dozen and then some involvement from maybe another 100 or so of us.

Here is what I want for Christians and refugees.

That faith will overcome fear.  That if refugees come to your community (your world), that you will go among them to make disciples.  It will be scary and might prove to be dangerous.  And it will be what Jesus called you to do.

That actions will match rhetoric.  That we will not just worry about what a government should or should not do, but that we will have an opportunity to put our faith into action. Making friends, serving in the name of Jesus, witness by our lives, testifying by teaching.

Who knows but that God's plan to evangelize Syrians -- and many others -- is to bring them right into our world.

And then trust us to do what He asks us to do.

So God help us to be your ambassadors to the strangers among us.  Let them see you in action by our lives.  Give us courage to speak about your son.  Let our faith conquer our fear.  We believe there is a great harvest waiting.  Send us into the field.  Or bring the field to us.