My question is about disciples moving between cities or countries. Recently a disciple asked me for advice on moving to another city in the United States, one in which the local church is not spiritually strong. He wanted to move for two reasons: better job opportunities within his career field, and in order for his wife to live closer to her family. I sought advice on this, and was shown Acts 17, where it says God determines the times and places for people to live. The point being made was, in essence, that "God has you right where he wishes you to be for now. -- Jason Mellor (Los Angeles)
As for the wisdom of moving into a city where the spiritual opportunities may be poor, I would leave the decision to the discretion of the Christians considering moving. Of course I would hesitate to suggest someone move into a situation where he may not be spiritually fed.
But to use Acts 17 (the famous mistranslated "times and places" passage) is not biblically right. I have written on the actual meaning of the passage elsewhere, so I will not repeat myself here. If we always live "exactly where God wants us," then logically (a) no one can ever move anywhere, or (b) whenever we go against this highly controlling sort of advice, then our new home city is "exactly where God wanted us." Disciples of Jesus Christ are free to move wherever they believe they should move.
For many years I have tried to "empower" people to be decisive about such things, without feeling the need to get "permission" to make up their own minds. What does the Lord want? Surely he hopes to see mutual respect, spiritual maturity, and a less controlling leadership style.
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