The world around us is changing every day. How will we reach it with the truth of a living God? The following is written by a full time Youth With A Mission missionary whose main field is cities and the people in them.
1. Hear God
Did you know that nearly 50% of the world lives in an urban environment? This means we have to learn to hear God’s voice in the midst of complex sights, sounds, smells, and crowds. Hearing God’s voice always takes work, and in a city this means setting aside intentional times of waiting and listening for God to speak, no matter how distracting the environment may be. If all humans are broken and God has come to restore our brokenness, what better place to hear God’s voice than in the midst of a densely populated city?
2. Obey God
Once we realize God speaks to us anywhere, we can begin to obey Him in whatever context we find ourselves in. There are many voices vying for our attention in a city, but the most important one we need to hear is His. In chapter 28 of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives a commandment to His disciples, telling them to “go and make disciples of all nations.” Jesus was serious about others knowing Him, and He wanted to use them and now us to make this happen! Simply put; obey God. Listen to what He says and do it! If He says go left, do it! If He says to pray with the man on the corner, do it! Obedience to God should be the measure of our successfulness in every area of our lives.
3. Live missionally
Have you met your new neighbor next door or visited with your local Starbucks barista down the street? Living a life as a missional person means we live our lives intentionally reflecting and overflowing with the truth of Jesus that resides deep within us. The reality of people living in close proximity in cities gives us an opportunity to be on display. What will we show off? Will we choose to be like a diamond when it reflects the sun, shining in every direction for all to see what it’s made of?
4. Celebrate the Diversity
The nations of the earth are moving into reachable locations like never before in history! Who better to greet them than the body of Christ? It’s as simple as a conversation at your local grocery store or inviting someone over for a home cooked American meal. Part of celebrating the cultures around us includes us inviting them into ours! All it requires is an awareness to the opportunities that present themselves to us, and jumping on those opportunities so new relationships happen. As humans we were created for abundant relating, and we will get to do so for the rest of our lives!
5. Share the Good News
Our generation is a generation that seeks after truth. Many are craving spiritual conversations about religion and their worldviews. You and I have good news; and His name is Jesus! In cities we have the freedom to share and discuss confidently with others the hope we have in Him. So have conversations and share your revelations on the character of Jesus! People are literally dying without Hope, and we have more than enough to give away.
YWAM Tyler's Urban DTS is designed specifically to give you opportunity to hear from God, define your purpose, and experience making God known to others in an urban context. Learn more about our UDTS and when it starts.