The Christian as "gaijin"

The Lord is firmly leading my family to consider become missionaries in Japan, to share the law of God and the love of Jesus Christ to a nation and culture that has little understanding of what either of these even are.

As it has been shared with me by many brothers and sisters in Christ who have served and currently serve in Japan, beyond the barrier of lacking the cultural exposure to Jesus (which is something we Americans often take for granted in our own country), there also exists a cultural barrier against the foreigner; the Japanese word is "gaijin."

This is not to say that this concept is racist in tone, because I don't believe it is. Naturally, there are racist people in every country and culture. Instead, whoever put in the Wikipedia entry on the term gives it fair treatment, and is worth checking out:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaijin

Now, what about the Christian being gaijin to the world? This is something I have faced every time I am on the street, and indeed I have also faced it among some I talk with in the church. It is a daily struggle for me to not feel like I am on an alien planet, but I must remember I should not struggle against it!

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2 (KJV)

As I continue in street ministry in anticipation of when I can do it on the streets of Japan, I wish to exhort you and remind myself to follow the strength of the early Ephesian church but to not make the mistake of forsaking my first love, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

"2 I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars;

3 "and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name's sake and have not become weary.

4 "Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love.

5 "Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent."

Revelation 2:2-5 (NKJV)

The Lord bless you and keep you!

Five things a disciple of Christ does

I have had this devotion for years, but recently sent it to a friend, and thought I would post it, as well.

Of course, there are many more things a disciple of Jesus Christ does, but these are for me fundamental and I share them with those the Spirit allows me to on the street. Not listed, but placed above all else, is of course to "'...love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment." (Mark 12:30, NKJV)

5 things a Christian disciple does

1) reads and studies the Word daily

2 Pet 3:18

2 Tim 2:15

Joshua 1:8

Acts 17:11

Psalm 119:9-16

Phil 4:8-9

2 Tim 3:16-17

2) prays constantly

1 Thes 5:17, "Pray without ceasing."

3) works toward the Great Commission

Matt 28:19-20 "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

4) stays in fellowship with Christians

Heb 10:24-25 "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

5) shows love and concern for others with exhortation and accountability

2 Cor 9:5 "Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness."

2Ti 4:1-5 v5- "But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."

(image on this post is from the evangecube product)