We live in Disneyworld...

After returning from a mission trip in the Caspian region overseas, I am convinced that life in America is the equivalent of living in Disneyworld. The harsh reality is that we are wasting our lives by spending much of our discretionary time and money on entertainment and our own comfort and amusement. I am also convinced that this is one of Satan's tactics to distract us from living out a purposeful and fulfilling life. For years now, I have always said that my biggest fear is to finally meet Jesus face to face when I die and learn that I totally missed the boat-- that I had missed my purpose in life.

I am so thankful that due to a series of things in my life right now and revelations from God, that I don't have to mysteriously aim at what I think I should do and hope for the best. It is becoming clear to me that an unwasted and purposeful life consists of being a willing instrument for God to use in His plan, while proactively and uninhibitedly sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all people. Two instrumental catalysts to this conclusion are the mission trip I took and continue to reflect on and being in a class that is reading through John Piper's "Don't Waste Your Life."

The problem is, and the reason I couldn't see this before, is because we are SO SO SO distracted in America!!! I cannot tell you how this fact has become so evident to me-- it is as if a veil has been lifted from in front of my face and I am seeing in a whole new dimension.

One of the main points I took away from my trip was how the missionaries where we were are very focused on their goal of advancing the gospel of Jesus. They have a plan. They have a goal. They strategically used our team as part of their plan and then sat down with us at the end of the week to debrief and get feedback. They are continuing to follow up with certain people we met. It is very empowering to be a part of God's plan-- because sharing the gospel is without a doubt, part of His plan.

So, we've been challenged. I've often said that I felt like I flounder through life, just taking in opportunities as they come. But, what would life, the church, the kingdom of God be like if we were all planning, goal setting and being very intentional every day about advancing the gospel.
(Read the book "No Compromise" to get a glimpse of someone in America who did just this).

PS: I think every American should visit a 2nd or 3rd world country and gain a whole new perspective...

Much more to come...