Conviction. It is a regular part of my life. And honestly, I am glad I get convicted on a regular basis, because it means I am growing and learning. It, also, reminds me I am an every day sinner. I am the first to admit that on a daily basis I do things I'm not proud of, don't put priorities right, and have a little temper or frustration that shouldn't be there. But, God has His Word and people in this world to help us learn and convict us to do better and follow Him better.
Last weekend, we had the pleasure of being in Dalton at Grace Presbyterian for church. Randy Jackson preached a sermon on Acts 1:1-11. His points really got me thinking, and well, he hit a few things that got me running. Things that we REALLY need to EXAMINE ourselves as Christians and people. Don't stop reading now. I think this is important.
Churches are big on outreach (majority of them that is). It was the Great Commission that Jesus gave us. "Go to the ends of the earth and preach about Me." Randy asked a question to the church: "We outreach to prisons and different cultures but are we as a church ready for them to be a PART of our church?" Profound. A lot of us are okay with mission's trips to foreign countries, prison fellowship, and outreach to needy communities. But when the people we outreach to actually come to our church, how do we respond?
I am one quick to judge those that treat people differently but I am also one that doesn't treat people the same when it comes down to it. Funny thing, our preacher preached on judging this past Sunday (talk about conviction, again!). But I digress. I want us to truly examine ourselves. How would you feel if someone who was a convicted burglar came into your church home? He/She has served their time, repented of their doings, and accepted Christ and is a new believer. How do you treat them when they enter your comfort zone? How about a convicted child molester? How about a convicted murderer? How would you respond as they sat next to you in church? Do you greet them? Invite them to lunch? How would you respond if their children want to play with your children? How about if they wanted to join your small group? Would you isolate them because they are a convicted felon? I am one to think that yes, we quickly would. And it isn't what would you do, what do you do?
That brings to my next question. How are we any different in our Father's eyes than a convicted felon? Guess what? When they are redeemed through His grace, He doesn't see them any different. We are just as awful. Why then, do we feel like we can quickly judge and isolate those different then us? How is that enveloping the whole truth of the Gospel?
Sadly, I have seen how preconceived ideas can isolate the best people. For example, my step son has long hair (I am actually jealous of how pretty it is) and gauges in his ears. He has a single tattoo and loves loud music. He is quickly to be judged by others in a negative way. BUT, I can tell you that he is one of the sweetest, most caring and sensitive men I know. He is so kind and never fails to give me and his dad a hug when entering and leaving our home. He is the most appreciative for all we do. Yet, if I had judged him on appearance, I could lose a relationship with an amazing person who needs Jesus' love. So, what are you missing? What are you allowing your child to miss? How quickly we say "My child isn't going to play with that child, have you seen their parents? Do you know what they do?" It sickens me.
So, we have to look at ourselves. Are we too comfortable in our lives to daily reach out to others? Do we have the "too good" attitude to truly accept and love the prisoners and "different" people into our daily life? Are we "fake" acceptors? It's good from afar and being able to leave them at prison or their neighborhood but if they enter our daily life it is a different story? What do we teach our children to do? Accept everyone for their differences and teach them Jesus or judge those that aren't in our social circle/social class? Do you not make them go to youth group because of the different "culture" that is there?
I remember a song by DC Talk when I was growing up "The single most cause of atheism in the world today is Christians. Who accept Him with our mouths but deny him with our lives." Take action and get busy being friends outside your comfort circle. You will be blessed far more than expected and dreamed. We are called to do so. God calls us to and we need to accept this challenge. Be prepared to be blessed!
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