Isolate or Engage?
When Google was debating its decision to set up operations in China, it came down to this question: Should we isolate or engage? It’s the classic diplomatic question governments face when dealing with other countries. This time, it was Google’s turn.
After much debate (which still lingers today), they decided to engage China and set up shop there. The decision has been praised, criticized and fraught with challenges. The easier choice would have been to ignore and isolate. The messier choice was, and is, to engage. And yet, the messy challenges bring great potential.
It’s the same for the Church. It’s a fine-line to “be in the world not of the world” and our tendency is to isolate, run and hide. In fact, for so long now, we have created our very own Christian sub-culture. And while the intent is good, the end-result creates very little gain for the Kingdom. It’s clean, safe and the whole world is kept quietly at bay.
The messy choice is the better one – to engage the world. But what does that even look like? It’s one thing for Google to engage China, but what does it mean for you and me to engage the world?
Typically, when people talk about engaging the world or culture they give examples such as: write a hit-song, become a cultural icon or sports hero. And while I wouldn’t argue against that, the truth for many of us is that it’s probably not going to happen. (Though I’m still available if the Hawks draft me next week.)
It doesn’t have to be that complicated, though. The best place to engage the world is to start with the world you’re already in – your workplace, neighborhood and community. Be great at what you do. Be honest, honorable and humble. Surprise people with generosity and thoughtfulness. In other words, follow Jesus.
What I’ve learned in my time of following Jesus is that He is not an isolationist. He engages, and if you follow Him, He’ll lead you to engage the world around you.
Sure, it’s messy. Yes, it’s challenging. And absolutely, it’s worth the risk.
Jeff
PS. How do you think Christians could do a better job at engaging the world?
do stuff
discuss nicelytags
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jun 17, 2010by Buckhead Church
June 17, 2010 at 4:32 pm
Loved this post! Thanks Jeff…it was encouraging and challenging. I think Christians are often scared to take a step out of the box. We surround ourselves with Christian things/organizations and only Christian friends and we forget the rest of the world. I often get asked how in the world I work in the news industry and still keep my faith. I see it as God has placed me here where there aren’t a ton of believers and He is using that to reach others and spread his glory. We can’t abandon areas that seem “too worldly” or “too liberal.” It may be challenging and messy like you say but I agree…worth the risk! :)
July 12, 2010 at 4:15 am
[...] Is Small. The Potential Is Big. I wish more could grasp this idea.Buckhead Church asks should we isolate or engage?Donald Miller on the stuff of good friendships.Another great post on the topic of engaging [...]
December 1, 2011 at 8:58 am
pending/ ‘I think it’s normal to make some errors as long that you know how to cope up with the unnecessary circumstances.’