Neighborhood

Neighborhood is not always where you live,

but where you do your living.

What do I mean? Watch our Truth in Two and find out (full text below & don’t miss the AFTERWORD, my dedication of this TNT to our friend, Jim Strietelmeier).

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Pictures: Josh Collingwood, Snappy Goat

FULL TEXT

Neighborhood block parties will begin popping up around subdivisions this summer. Folks who live close to one another spend time over picnic-style meals to renew acquaintances. In one way or another we all live in a neighborhood; and I don’t necessarily mean houses next door. By “neighborhood” I mean the places you work, the events you enjoy, or the commitments which are important to you. Examples could include care of Children, Education, Public Service, Music, The Arts, or Medical Care. Whatever others esteem along with you could be your neighborhood.

Christian responsibility wherever we live, in whatever we do is summarized by Titus 3:2,

“Do whatever is good, slander *no one*, be peaceable and considerate, show true humility toward *all people*”

Did you notice where I placed the emphasis? As far as God’s Word is concerned, how we live with our neighbors includes everyone; no one is left out. Our service to our neighbors should conform to Galatians 6:10,

“As we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone.”

Here are some good examples of Christian neighbors in their neighborhoods. Jim & Deb Strietelmeier live and serve in one of the poorest communities in Indianapolis. Leah Joanne and Taylor Sorenson work in the musical field, sharing their abilities with those who love music. Matt Barnes is the volunteer chaplain in the Indiana State House; his neighbors are politicians. The Harrison Center for the Arts is housed within the Redeemer Presbyterian Church building; artists are the church’s neighbors.

I’ll summarize my point this way: wherever you are, whatever your giftings, THAT is your neighborhood. Paul summarizes Christian neighboring in 1 Timothy 3:7,

“Moreover, indeed, it is necessary to wear a good testimony before outsiders.”

Paul uses the word for a “martyr” who gives a witness in a courtroom; the same as a good testimony in the neighborhood. This kind of Christian neighboring will be the best dish brought to the block party.

For Truth in Two, this is Dr. Mark Eckel, president of the Comenius Institute, personally seeking truth wherever it’s found.

AFTERWORD It is with great sadness that I dedicate this Truth in Two, to my friend, the friend of many in Indianapolis, Jim Strietelmeier. Jim’s memorial will be held today (16 May 2023). Here is what I wrote about Jim with this picture on FB the day after he moved from Indiana to the presence of his Lord:

This is how I will remember Jim: a man of deep joy in Jesus. Pastor Jim Strietelmeier joined the great cloud of witnesses yesterday. [7 May 2023] Jim described his ministry as “the poor serving the poor.” He and his family live and work in an area of Indianapolis where the definition of “poor” is real. Our conversations, whether on the radio show or over coffee, always revolved around others, in the arenas of his church’s free medical clinic, education, service, preaching, and suffering. Jim’s eyes brimmed with compassion and his hands showed Jesus’ love to all. Rest, now, brother. Your example continues to spur the rest of us on, to love and good works.