I was talking with my brother-in-law about this book and his first question was how the author defined the suburbs. I think that is valid point to establish first. The author starts by saying, "At a most basic and functional level, suburbia is that seemingly self-evident area that is neither urban nor rural and usually is situated between central cities and unincorporated open land." He goes on to point out that almost all suburbs share similar traits regardless of geographical location. Those traits include population density, home ownership, residential status, and journey-to-work. Today, more than half of all Americans live in a suburb, which makes it the largest mission field here at home.
I thought this was a great book because it combined a historical perspective of how suburbia developed, a current discussion of suburbs today, and practical questions/examples about how to live out Christ-like lives in the culture. I would not say I am a history buff, but I am growing to appreciate history more and more. It gives a broader picture of society in which you can see the gradual slippery slopes that are often imperceptible at any given moment. Suburbia has fostered and developed cultures of individualism, commuting, and consuming, which are not Christ-like. The American church, i.e. PEOPLE in America that call themselves Christian, have willingly or ignorantly descended on the slippery slope to a point where we are shaped more by our culture than the truth of scripture. I am a personal witness to a modern day life of individualism and consumerism in my "Christian" walk. God has been gracious to open my eyes to see the truth of the slavery I am in.
In our excess, we have forsaken devotion to God because our bondage is not yet painful enough. We are like the Israelites when God brought them out slavery in Egypt. In Exodus 16 is says that the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron and said, "Would that we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt, when we sayt by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger." Later in the journey, after Moses by God's power, has work so many miraculous wonders providing food and water, the people again complain in Numbers 20 when there is no water at the place they stopped saying, "If only we had perished when our brothers perished before the Lord! Why then have you brought the Lord's assembly into this wilderness, for us and our beasts to die here? Why have you made us come up from Egypt, to bring us in to this wretched place? It is not a place of grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, nor is there water to drink."
I believe we are no different. Christ has called us out as sons and daughters of God to live in the world but not be of the world. To follow Christ is a issue of faith, trusting that he will provide our needs, like food and water, until he brings us into the new kingdom. There are two options. We can live differently than the culture, forsaking our individualism and consumerism (conveniences) for authentic community where we love people, participate in the church, and live lives of discipleship while freely giving to the work of the gospel. Or, we can remain in the culture and cry out under the weight of increasing taxes, debt, commuting time, and health concerns because they assault our individualism and discretionary consumption.
In conclusion, consider the following scriptures:
Ephesians 5:11-16 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light. For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
1 Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Titus 2:11-13 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instruction us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus
I recommend this book to every Christian with a challenge: WAKE UP sleepers, be sober minded, be alert, be wise. Are you critically evaluating the decisions you make? Are you living sensibly and righteously, denying your worldly desires? The devil is the father of lies and has blinded minds of unbelievers (2 Cor. 4:3-4, John 8:44). If something is commonplace in the world, it should be a red flag that it may be a lie. Are you believing subtle lies because it is inconvenient, uncomfortable , or insignificant to consider the truth?
My prayer is that we will all attain to the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. No longer being children tossed about by every wind of doctrine (prosperity to the righteous), by the trickery of men (brand marketing), and by craftiness in deceitful scheming (take your pick); but that we will speak (and listen to) the truth in love, growing up in all aspects into Him who is the head, Christ. (paraphrase of Ephesians 4:13-15)
