Sometimes, I hop in my car and I drive to the other side of the tracks. In the city where I live, we have some railroad tracks that go right through the downtown area. On one side of the tracks is middle class and pockets of extreme wealth. On the other side of the tracks, their is much hopelessness characterized by boarded up homes, drugs, prostitution and crime. I drive there so that I don't forget how a lot of our world lives. I can't foget.
So, the other day, I hopped in my car and I just drove. I turned the radio off, and drove down some streets that most evangelicals would simply avoid. I choose not to go with the flow. Some would question why I would drive into an area of the city that is crime riddled. I don't have much of an answer other than Jesus had me do it. Jesus had me do it, because I have to go to the other side of the tracks. If I don't, I get stagnate and fall into a life that is uncaring. If I don't go to the other side of the tracks, I don't allow God to move my heart for the poor, the hopeless and hurting. If I don't go to the other side of the tracks, I slowly get drawn into the American dream and get addicted to self. So, this is why I drive. I drive because I want to go and drive where Jesus would be.
As I drove up and down the streets, there were countless homes that were boarded up. This grieved me. I watched a people just wandering aimlessly up and down the streets. My mind was brought back to the loving God that died for people on both side of the tracks. My heart was touched once again by a passionate God who pursues ALL mankind with His relentless love. When I drove on the other side of the tracks, I realized that I'm really not that much different. I, too am in need of forgiveness, hope and healing---that only Jesus can offer.
I will return to the other side of the tracks. Going to the other side of the tracks keeps my heart tender, my eyes moist and my mind bent towards the heart of God.
God, lead me to the people that burden your heart. Draw me to people that are hopeless and helpless. These are the ones I desire to pursue.
What about you?
"The true gospel is a call to self-denial. It is not a call to self-fulfillment."
John MacArthur
