February 12th
February 12th
Do we neglect making disciples because we are worried about how we will look to others? Do we worry about being ostracized at work or in the neighborhood? There are a few things we need to get over pretty quickly because time is short so we don’t have time to piddle around with this issue. We need to quit worrying about what others think of us for a few reasons. First, it is not about saving face, it is about saving their soul. It is a matter of life and death so we don’t have time to worry about how we look. Second, Jesus said we would be hated anyway so we shouldn’t be surprised.
John 15:19-23 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well.
We whine about being hated but we should not be surprised. We can’t expect this world to like us because the Spirit of God lives in us and He convicts them of their sin. That’s HIS job, ours is to be the light and reflect His love. There is a way to go about it. Be winsome, not weird. Remember we are to be a peculiar people (not weird but different, noticeable, the light, Jesus’ reflection,) in other words we should NOT blend in.
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
Be respectful, not rude.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Snatch them from the fire (don’t forget they are on their way to hell.)
Jude 1:22-23 Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.
Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
We need to be bold but courteous and full of grace. Just as emphasizing all the “don’ts” never won anyone to Christ, neither did arguing. We need to let the grace and love of God flow through us. This world is dying for the Truth, for answers that matter. It is our job to reflect that Truth gracefully and respectfully. Let God be the harsh Judge when the Day arrives and, in the meantime, let’s boldly proclaim His love to this broken world and not worry about how they feel about us. Let’s keep in mind it’s a matter of life and death.
Jesus, thank you for your mercy and grace and love. Help me to be a vessel of those to the world around me. Help me to be patient and merciful. Help me to see others through your eyes so that I can be graceful and loving. Forgive me for neglecting this calling out of embarrassment, timidity or laziness. Help me to be bold and respectful and help me to remember that it is a matter of their life and death. Thank you for your patience Lord.