Let's talk about love. Sometimes, when we approach others about the gospel, we talk to them with our own opinionated judgments first in our minds. I'm not talking about Biblical judgments, I'm talking about stereotypes. I don't need to give any examples - you know what I'm talking about.
We all judge others, whether we are Christians or non-Christians. In the world that we live in, the word "judge" means something different than it did years ago. Years ago, to judge someone meant to form opinions about that individual. In that sense, everyone judges. Now, however, to judge means to discriminate (i.e. "don't judge me").
We all judge, regardless of religious background. That's fine. That's how we're wired. Without opinions, we would be robots. The problem lies with discrimination. We shouldn't treat others as any less than fellow human beings who have the potential to be saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. We have flaws, they have flaws. The beautiful thing is - everyone can change. We don't have to live in slavery to our flaws, and neither do they.
Turn to Matthew 9. Read verses 1 through 13. Jesus and his disciples were eating with tax collectors and sinners. They were eating and reclining, hanging out with those who were considered to be "undesirables" by the majority religion in the area at that time: Judaism. Jesus' statement in verses 12 and 13 is nothing short of incredible: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.' For I came not to call the righteous, but the sinners."
Wow.
Let's stop and think. Who are the people in our society that most make the religious majority uncomfortable? Gays, alcoholics, drug addicts, and thugs are just a few of those who are looked down upon by the religious majority. Let's not be afraid to spread the word to them. Jesus and his disciples hung out with "sinners" (which implies a constant state of sinfulness) - in public! I feel that it's safe to assume that they talked about God and religion and sin - Jesus was God. It's kinda hard to ignore that.
See Mark 2:16 and Luke 5:30 - the religious majority complained to Jesus and his disciples. "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" They're people too. They have a soul that needs to be saved just like you or I do. They want someone to understand them just like you or I do. It's amazing what kind of a difference you can make in someone's life if you're understanding but persistent.
You don't have to accept someone's lifestyle in order to talk to them about Jesus. You don't have to help someone do wrong or condone their sin in order to be friends with them. Make friends with a gay person and eventually talk to them about their sexuality. Be a good listener! Let him or her talk. Don't force them to talk about it if they don't want to. Then, once you do, use your newfound knowledge and talk to them about why you disagree with it. Take him or her to church with you even, if they're willing to go.
Or, for another example, become friends with a substance addict, and eventually talk to them about how they can be freed from it through the power of Jesus. You don't have to drink, party, or buy an alcoholic some alcohol in order to be close to him or her. Once again, be a good listener! Ask the person to worship with you. Treat everyone like you would want to be treated.
All sin is sin. Even yours and mine. Treat everyone like with that attitude. Whatever sin you struggle with the most - tell them about it! Be open. It's not hard to earn respect as a Christian in modern America if you'll just work for it.
It's okay to be around people who aren't the same as you. We aren't a cult.
Somebody has to spread the word to those people who are overlooked or feel uncomfortable in a church setting; why not let it be you? You may be the only Bible people read - let's make sure that we're taking the time to understand others' opinions and points of view.
If we approach evangelism as "trying to recruit someone with flaws (just like I have flaws) to join the battle with me and be saved from themselves," we won't be able to bring everyone we meet with us on the road to salvation, but we can at least show them all that we, and God, really do care. All some people need from us is to know that we really do love them and that we're not afraid to step out of our comfort zones to show them the path that we walk.
Let's make sure that we're not denying them the opportunity to worship with us and learn about Jesus by treating them like they're any less than human.
One last point: sin is sin. We all do it. We all have insecurities. We all have unanswered questions. The thing is, we know that Jesus forgives the sin, heals our wounds, and answers our questions. They don't know that unless someone helps them find the way. You can help them find the way. Be the mirror that reflects God's light onto the road in front of them. Take a chance.
Take the time this week to get to know someone who does something that makes you uncomfortable and tell them about Jesus. Figure out why they are the way they are and then pray that God helps you find the words to say to help them. Talk about the questions that you have with your brothers and sisters in Christ. Have faith in Him and He will guide you. Be like Jesus.
In Christian love,
Ethan
No comments:
Post a Comment