We may have unsaved co-workers, friends, and family members and it’s okay to interact with them. I enjoy laughing, saying good morning, giving a smile when passing by. Learning little tidbits about someone. Checking in on their well-being and spending quality time together. As Christians, we sometimes shy away from connecting with people that are different like they have a contagious rash. If our roots are in Christ we don’t have to fear an ungodly lifestyle rubbing off on us. We are in the world, but not of the world. Let us not pretend as if we have always walked according to the Lord.
Of course, we must use discernment in all our interactions. Seeking Christ for instruction and direction is first and foremost in how we engage others. We don’t let our guard down or get sloppy with our armor but turning up our noses to opportunities to show Christ within us is not an option. Many people have shunned church and things of the Lord because of a horrible interaction with a Christian. We exalt ourselves as if we’re the poster children for righteousness and if Jesus was not available to go to the cross we would’ve stepped in. Shame on us if we have a self-righteous and inflated view of ourselves and make others feel less than or beneath us.
Beware of the soapbox
Being a Christian doesn’t give us the right to use a megaphone and blast people for their faults and shortcomings. We get on our soapbox and portray ourselves as if God didn’t have to hose us down from all the filth and grime in our previous lives. Being that we are made of flesh easily enticed by our lust, God reminds us daily to renew our minds because our righteousness is as filthy rags. Remember, sin is anything that God deems unrighteous, not what you and I think or feel. Gossip, anger, envy, bitterness, laziness, gluttony, cheating in business, lying (a white lie is a lie), stealing (including from an employer), fornication, adultery, idols, murmuring and complaining, and so much more means none of us has any authority to condemn another. The ability to sin is right around the corner if we don’t humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God.
Engage instead of condemning
In the world, some people believe in rituals or religion and do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Others may say they believe in a higher power but don’t acknowledge Jesus as that power. Some say they don’t believe there is a God. Instead of condemning and rejecting them, take time to engage them. Listen and ask questions to learn how they arrived at what they believe in so you can address them properly.
Don’t assume there’s no help for them and they’re lost forever. Our God-given responsibility is to share the truth in love. We are not to shove it down someone’s throat or slam them for believing something else. Guide and teach through the scriptures, but more importantly, let the Holy Spirit guide and teach you on how to engage them. We mustn’t turn people off because we are harsh and rude in trying to make a point. God is the one that draws the heart to Him, we are just a tool He chooses to use in the process.
Kindness speaks volumes
I believe in sharing the scriptures in every situation, but I also believe there is a time just to be kind and listen. People in the world are hurting and searching for something bigger than themselves. Many don’t know that something is Jesus Christ. Coming alongside them and holding their hand and saying a kind word could provide comfort that may break down walls that will allow you to speak about Jesus. Permit the Holy Spirit to enlighten you so you can enlighten them. Remember, your Christianity is not in question if the first word out of your mouth isn’t Jesus, but make sure every conversation ends with Jesus.
In conclusion
We are in the world for a divine purpose, and that is to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. The death, burial, and resurrection of our Savior must be what we shout from the mountain tops. It’s an honor that God uses us for His kingdom’s purpose. He is using you and me to lead our loved ones, and random people we encounter unto Him. When I think about someone I know who will be in heaven because God used me as the vessel to lead them to Christ, it’s humbling and awesome all at the same time. This is what it means to be bruised, but God can still use.
ACTION ITEM(S)
- Do you shy away from people that don’t believe in Jesus Christ? If so, why?
- Are you being kind when you engage or harsh and condemning?
- Remember there is power in kindness.
- Are you committed to sharing the Gospel to those that are in the world so heaven will be their eternal home?
- Pray and ask God for ways to incorporate Him into your encounters.
Carol… what a powerful message! You hit so many points as a reminder…I asked God to heal my heart, and refresh my soul this week and my mind. This article spoke to my heart❤️ It reminded of all the things He taught me along the way. When I knew something was wrong with my life and needed to surrender to Him. I let Him lead me to where I was to be and that’s where and when I met you….is it over 30 years ago? Can’t be😘. I am a work still in progress. I’ve lost my way at times trying to find where and what the Lord wants me to do to further His kingdom and how He wants to use me, but I know He has never left me. Trying to remain humble this article reminded me of the things the Lord taught me ….
-All have fallen short of the Glory of God.
-We are in the world but not of it.
-Not to shy away from someone different than us. If rooted in Christ we have nothing to fear of their ungodly lifestyle rubbing off on us…use discernment of course
I could go on and on about this article of points you brought up that the Lord taught me along the way and is reminding me of again, just a very powerful message that definitely spoke to me as a reminder from the Lord. Thank you for sharing all of this and allowing the Lord to use you to reach out to others and thus reminding your ‘Sisters in Christ’ to get back and grab hold of all He has taught us.
God Bless you on your journey with the Lord❤️
Carol…Jesus loves you and so do I😘
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Mrs. Kratky, You know I love you and more importantly Jesus loves you. Thank you for your transparency. You are certainly not alone. When I am blogging it’s not only to minister to others, it’s for me. I am so glad you were blessed by it and implementing what Jesus is telling you to do. Thank you so much for your comment!!!
This is a great reminder of our position and purpose in the world! Thank you for this!!
Lisa, Amen! Thank you for your comment!
Wow! Yes!! This is POWERFUL!!
Probably one of my favorites you have written so far!
I mean all of your blogs are so powerful! But this is good!!!!
You’re so right about the megaphone!!
The legalism in Churches has been hard for me to watch. The list of rules that doesn’t even line up with scriptures but more people rules! And then the people use their “rule list” to categorize if you’re really a good Christian or not will only keep pushing people away!!
I see it and many are blinded by it. Shame on us if we put our noses up like we are better. I like how you put it , we are a corner away from sin if we aren’t careful!!
I’ll be praying myself that I wouldn’t be scared at the store or wherever to share Christ. He’s worth sharing to EVERYONE!
1 Corinthians 13
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Ashley, Legalism can be a killer to a church. Let’s be in prayer for churches as well as individuals to line up with God’s word and standards. Thank you for reading and commenting!