In the introduction to their book To Transform a City, authors Eric Swanson and Sam Williams ask this very simple question: "Do you love your city?"
It was one of those moments when time stops and the words jump from the page. I considered the ramifications of the various responses and shuddered to think of how (as a relative newcomer to my city) I can't honestly respond with "yes" (at least not yet).
And then I thought of all the pastors, missionaries and other leaders who toil in the fields of the Lord. If we're brutally honest with ourselves, can we honestly say we love our city, our community, our church family, the people in our ministry context? How many pastors and/or their spouses begin to see their congregation as a bunch of ungrateful, demanding, Pharisaical knuckleheads who just don't "get it"? How many missionaries have become so tired of the cultural challenges they face that they withdraw from contact and real fellowship? How often have I looked at crowds as blobs of humanity rather than seeking to reflect Jesus' compassion for the individuals?
"Love your neighbor as yourself" is the second greatest commandment, according to Jesus, following only "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength" (Matt. 22:37-38). So how are we doing? Does love characterize our attitude toward those to whom God has sent us? Does love empower our ministry, giving us the wherewithal to put up with the failings of others and ourselves?
It was one of those moments when time stops and the words jump from the page. I considered the ramifications of the various responses and shuddered to think of how (as a relative newcomer to my city) I can't honestly respond with "yes" (at least not yet).
And then I thought of all the pastors, missionaries and other leaders who toil in the fields of the Lord. If we're brutally honest with ourselves, can we honestly say we love our city, our community, our church family, the people in our ministry context? How many pastors and/or their spouses begin to see their congregation as a bunch of ungrateful, demanding, Pharisaical knuckleheads who just don't "get it"? How many missionaries have become so tired of the cultural challenges they face that they withdraw from contact and real fellowship? How often have I looked at crowds as blobs of humanity rather than seeking to reflect Jesus' compassion for the individuals?
"Love your neighbor as yourself" is the second greatest commandment, according to Jesus, following only "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength" (Matt. 22:37-38). So how are we doing? Does love characterize our attitude toward those to whom God has sent us? Does love empower our ministry, giving us the wherewithal to put up with the failings of others and ourselves?
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