This particular bubble everyone refers to can seem overprotective, sheltered, maybe even dangerous.
What does the Bible say about us living outside of this community and immersing ourselves into a community of lost people?
Let me start by saying everyone has their own bubble. A bubble is the community in which we live where we are comfortable. We know the people in our bubble, we have structure in our bubble, we feel safest in our bubble. The bubble to which I am referring is not necessarily a bad thing. It's good to be involved in a community of believers who love Jesus and are devoted to building each other up (iron sharpens iron). I recently heard a story of a Bible college student who went to a large community gathering in a city about 20 minutes from the campus where he lives. They have a lot of outdoor venues, and the group of (non-Believers) he was hanging out with decided they wanted to go to a bar. This student immediately felt torn. "I signed a covenant saying I wouldn't drink alcohol while I'm here, but am I even allowed to go inside the bar. I don't want to people to know, much less to get kicked out for going in" he thought. He waited outside and chose not to go in just to be safe.
Isn't it sad that a lot of times as Christians we are afraid of what might happen to us if we are caught at the local bar or the part of town where people are known for partying and being loud and carefree until early in the morning? The funny thing is that's exactly where we should be! In fact, from Mark 2 we know that is exactly what Jesus did and encouraged the disciples to do. Jesus, the son of God, who was completely without sin hung out with the sinners and tax collectors. And when the Pharisees asked "What in the world are you doing with these dudes? Aren't you supposed to be better than that?" Jesus responded with "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17 ESV).
I am a firm believer this is a call to get outside of our bubble, immerse ourselves in the culture without losing credibility in our witness (1 Corinthians 1:12), and take the gospel to the nations (the Great Commission) wherever the nations may be for you.
So what will it take for you to get outside of your comfort zone? Are you willing to hang out with sinners and tax collectors and not be worried 'if my pastor (or professors, or dean, or friends...) finds out will he kick me out of the church/school?' How do we pop the bubble so we can live at peace with all men and build relationships with the lost for the purposing of sharing the gospel for the glory of God?
I think it's time we spend more time popping and praying than passing by opportunities to live like Jesus lived.
