How to be a radical in suburbia
- You have to find your center each day. You have to detox and recalibrate. Create a space in your schedule and in your home where you can be quiet. Ask more questions about the “you” that you are becoming. Write down your thoughts. Likely, some will be from God.
- Turn off the TV, unplug the iPod. You need more quiet space in you life, not noise. Plan a personal retreat.
- Ask: “What do I desire?” Audit your everyday wish list and your long-term dreams. Make a list. Compare it with Scripture. Show it to a trusted counselor. What does it show you about yourself?
- Ask: “What do I value?” Audit your checkbook. What Kingdom investments are you making? How do they compare with your other non-food expenses?
- Find ways to love boldly every day. Surprise people. Ask God about how to do that. Then follow through.
- Schedule mission trips that stretch you. Go to another challenge level. Choose to be uncomfortable. Be an advocate for the poor. Sponsor an orphan.
- Find someone whom you admire and ask them to disciple you. Watch them and imitate their life.
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Thanks for this post Seth. We are out here…in suburbia. Radical, participating, and anticipating our next steps in God.
thanks for this post. that has been a question of mine lately.
Seth,
Can I ask for more please? I e-mailed you about this a few weeks ago. As a soon-to-be 40 year old father of two, accounting manager (no geek glasses!!), I am finding it very difficult (or maybe frustrating) to fulfill the longing to be radically used by God that is in me. STMs are fulfilling. Working in the community to be salt and light is fulfilling. But there is a sense in me that there is so much more that I need to be doing to be closer to God – to be used by God and see people changed and see people loved. When I look at Cambodian orphans I want to get on the next plane leaving Atlanta. If I can get the little Burmese boy in the yellow shirt I want him! I want to love him and let him know what it’s like to be loved by a father.
All the suggestions are good and right but give me more please. How do I fulfill this longing while stuck in a America????
Thanks for posting this Seth. Even if I’m struggling to figure it out, I need the inspiration to keep trying.