Get Your Pretense On!

Chapter 6: The Oikos Factor • 151

our neighborhoods. God has granted us the blessing of a web of common kinship relationships, friendships, and associations that make up our social circle. As the Spirit leads us, we can pray for and share the Good News with those in our network, and trust that God, through the power of that same Spirit, can spread the Gospel quickly along the lines of kinship, friendship, and association within it. Who are those in your oikos network today? Of what family are you a part? Who are those neighbors and friends you know who need the Savior? What coworkers and associates do you know that need the love of God in their lives? Never forget the unique opportunity each disciple of Jesus has to pray for and witness to those kinfolk, friends, neighbors, and coworkers who belong to our oikos . Now, let’s pretend that you have been granted authority and power to represent the living Christ in the place where he has put you. Represent him with honor and courage. The Spirit will empower us to make disciples where we are, and salvation will come to those within our households, and beyond, all to the glory of God through Jesus Christ. You are a kingdom citizen. You are Christ’s ambassador. You’ve been called to represent him, and his Spirit will grant you the grace to do it with honor and excellence, if you so desire. Now, get your pretense on!