June 11th, 2011
How can we expect to fulfill the Great Commission when we do not permeate the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives? How can we judge, criticize and hold ourselves as holy, just and good when there is only one man who fits that bill; Jesus Christ!
We have become such arrogant “Christians” that we believe a sinner, unlike you, should be able to convert others simply by knowing your name. We are lazy Christians who refuse to put in the time and effort necessary to be an influence on individuals who need advice, guidance, a friend and mostly love. Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
In order to be an influence you must first be a friend. Friends are honest, compassionate, dependable, trustworthy, and expect nothing in return. The bible says that Jesus came for the unrighteous – not the righteous. It is not the healthy that need a doctor, but the sick (Matthew 9:12). Yet, we continue to befriend those whom we value as righteous and we let the unbeliever wonder. We are to leave the heard in the wilderness and search for one lost sheep, because it is the lost sheep that needs help to find his way back to the heard (Luke 15:4).
The Pharisees were testing Jesus by asking, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:34-40).
If we truly love our God and love your neighbor as yourself then reaching out to others would be a breeze. The reason you cannot impact the lives of the unbelieving is because the unbeliever does not see any reason to be like you. You fail to be a friend, to be an influence and instead you are a person of judgment, disgraceful gossip and when unbelievers see your behavior they run for the hills and want nothing to do with your religion.
Instead of your narcissistic righteousness we must be fervent in prayer for others. We must be an asset for Christ and not hinder unbelievers to become followers of Christ. We are all sinners and we all fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Doing the Lord’s Work takes patience and discipline – by showing God’s great love and adhering to the greatest of all commandments. We do not isolate the lost – we go out and find them. When a brother or sister is sick, emotionally damaged, confused, or angry we must be a friend because the power of our Almighty God will work through you to be a voice, an influence and the good Lord will bestow his compassion on you both.
If you have had poor experiences with a believer or a church my hope is that you release yourself from the hold they have on your life. Do not let the unfavorable experiences you have with them dictate your life, your relationship with Christ and your eternal judgment. Get yourself right with God for His glory.
Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Father I pray that you establish my steps. I pray that you mold my heart and burn that which is not of you. Give me compassion to reach out to the lost sheep with an unconditional ray of hope. Guide me Lord to be a Christian who is true to your Word, acts as an example of your great love and influences others to follow your path. God help me to be an honest friend to lead, guide and convict others to turn from their sins and welcome your grace. I pray that my confidence in you does not become arrogant and hinder others to confess you as their Lord and Savior, In Jesus Name, Amen.
