Why California?
With the latest COVID restrictions and shutdowns, ever increasing taxes and failing infrastructure, individuals and major corporations are moving out of California in record numbers. The promised lands of Texas, Idaho, Tennessee and Florida seem to be much more appealing than the golden state. I am a lifelong proud southern Californian, and even I was allured by the mansions on Texas Zillow that our kids could grow up in, the low taxes and more value on personal liberty.
So, why stay?
Here are four reasons why I believe every Californian believer should consider keeping California as their permanent home, from a missional perspective.
JESUS WOULD CHOOSE CALIFORNIA
Jesus didn’t choose the most comfortable, the most convenient, the most economically friendly places to engage. He often found himself in the most chaotic and unfriendly of locations, and managed to bring the kingdom of God to that piece of earth. The movement of Jesus has lost sight of the power of sacrifice for sake of the gospel. When did living in wealth and comfort, surrounded by people that believe like us become the end game for believers?
Paul had his sights on Rome as the most strategic spot to spread the message of Jesus. He understood that if he could reach the cultural centers of the world, he could change the entire nation. California is that.
What if we, as people of hope, saw California as just as much a strategic reference point for spirituality as any other location on the planet? We are willing to fund missionaries to live in every burdensome corner of the globe, but are we willing to stay and shine?
GOD HAS HISTORICALLY CHOSEN CALIFORNIA
So many of the large historic revivals that swept the nation and the world were birthed in California. The Azusa Street revival, the Jesus people movement of the 60s, Billy Graham considered Southern California his second home, Bethel in Redding, and so many more. The state that so many assumed would be the place of God’s judgement became the hotspot for his mercy and grace. We are an innovative and creative people, and God will use that to spark the new in every arena — including faith.
I firmly believe that God is going to continue using this location as the starting point for major spiritual revolutions. Who are the ones that are all in for facilitating that movement, for the sake of our world?
DISPROPORTIONATE INFLUENCE
Erwin McManus has said that “when Los Angeles sneezes, the world catches a cold.” It’s true. I’ve traveled to remote villages all over the world. People will ask me if I’ve been to Hollywood and will often give me their best “I’ll be back” in a Schwarzenegger accent. 12% of the US population lives within the Golden State. Who will be here influencing the influencers?
Look, the reality is that Ketchum, Idaho doesn’t have the same influence as Los Angeles. You visit some rural cities in America, and you travel back in time 20 years. They may be “better and simpler” times, but they will always be catching up and reacting to what happens in California. I long for a tribe of people that recognizes this influence and is willing to commit to stewarding it well. A tribe of people that grow deep roots into a land that will impact generations to come. What happens here will reach the world.
Like it or not, history has its eyes on us.
THE LIGHT SHINES BRIGHTEST IN THE DARKNESS
I’ll be the first to admit that California isn’t the easiest place to live. It’s not all sunshine, beaches and Disneyland. I’ve been critical of our leadership, it’s nearly impossible to own a home, churches are seen as enemies rather than allies, it is the hotbed of absurd cultural/spiritual/social movements… the list could go on. However, I have found that it doesn’t take much to be a light in the midst of all of it. Jesus had his greatest impact in places where, on paper, his movement should not have expanded.
I love how Isaiah puts it in his writings, a passage that Jesus himself taught:
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2
It’s not that you can’t be a light elsewhere, but it just shines brightest in the darkness. I’d rather be the passionate little candle in the blackest of nights than a floodlight on a summer day. You get to make that choice.
Now, if you have moved, are moving, or live elsewhere, this isn’t written to shame you at all. I hope that wherever you live, you see it has a powerful place to proclaim faith, love and hope to the world around you. This is for those who are feeling hopeless, on the fence or restless.
I see you.
I feel you.
I get it.
And — Let’s see this Golden State as an ordained opportunity for a generation to reach the world with the powerful message of Jesus together. It will be a sacrifice, but it will also be one of the greatest privileges we will have in our lifetime. The greatest mark that someone is passionately following Jesus is that they are willing to do hard things and put themselves in uncomfortable situations for the prize set before them.
I choose CA.
