Out There – Part Two
Let’s be honest, when we hear someone say, “You’re called to make a difference,” we often think of big, flashy things: feeding the hungry, starting nonprofits, flying overseas, preaching in packed stadiums.
But you know where it really starts?
Right outside your front door.
Literally.
The people who live 30 feet from your kitchen. The ones you wave at when you’re hauling the trash cans to the curb. The ones whose names you sort of know, but mostly refer to by vague identifiers like “the guy with the loud truck” or “the lady with the tiny dog.”
We walk past people every day who are lonely, hurting, overwhelmed, and we don’t even know it. Not because we don’t care. But because we’re busy, distracted, or honestly just unsure where to start.
Here’s where Jesus messes with our excuses.
When asked what the most important commandment was, He said:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart… and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:27)
Seems straightforward. Until someone asks the same question we’re all still asking: “But who counts as my neighbor?”
Jesus didn’t give a clear street address. Instead, He told a story, one where the “neighbor” was the person right in front of you. The one most people overlook. The one you might normally avoid.
Which means: Your neighbor is whoever’s near.
Not just the people you like. Not just the ones who look like you, think like you, vote like you, or believe like you. Whoever’s close is who God’s called you to love.
And if we’re being really honest… loving strangers feels awkward. Loving neighbors can feel even harder. There’s history. There’s tension. There’s fences, both literal and emotional.
But what if mission isn’t always about crossing oceans? What if it’s about crossing the street?
What if your greatest act of obedience this week is a conversation in your driveway?
That doesn’t sound like much. But it matters. A lot.
Because presence is powerful.
Because consistent kindness breaks down walls.
Because behind every closed garage door is a human being who wonders if anyone actually sees them.
So here’s your challenge this week:
- Learn one name you don’t know.
- Linger just one minute longer in the driveway, on the sidewalk, or at the mailbox.
- Ask one real question and actually care about the answer.
This is how neighborhoods become communities. This is how strangers become friends. And yes — this is how Jesus works through ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
No Bible degree required. No perfect personality needed. Just availability and a little intentionality.
You don’t have to fix your neighbors. Just love them.
You don’t have to force conversations about faith. Just live it, and when the time is right — share it.
You don’t have to be weird. Just be real.
Next up: Part Three – “Bringing Meaning to Monday.”
Because if mission isn’t just for missionaries… maybe Monday morning matters more than you think.
Sorry, I have to chuckle when I read things like this. On either side of us are two young families and the men are associate pastors at Linworth Baptist Church. Next to one of them, is a family from El Salvador who belong to the Spanish speaking Christian Church on Maple Canyon. Next to them is a young couple – she is Salvation Army. He – we are just learning isn’t and we pray for him often and will take opportunities to speak as we are together. I used to take long walks in the neighborhood and it was interesting how Jesus could come into a conversation while talking about kids, dogs and flowers. Yep! Wonderful.