From: Words That Heal
By: Michael Ross & Brian Doyle
"Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." Mark 16:15
Living our lives in a "holy huddle" with other Christians makes us feel safe--even comfortable. When our focus is on the huddle, we don't have to deal with scary people on the outside. But here's some amazing news: Our comfort has a very low biblical priority. Jesus isn't as concerned about our comfort. If anything, He calls us to spend time OUT of our holy huddle and to impact the world for Him. Throughout the Gospels we see examples of Christ making His disciples uncomfortable by befriending scary people--outcasts.
True, Jesus doesn't want us to get pulled DOWN by the wrong crowd. Instead, He wants us to extend a helping hand and to pull others UP. Think about modern-day outcasts: the handicapped kid who is often overlooked or the loner who never leaves her house. Would Jesus visit these people? Would He know their names, care about them, tell them stories? He would--and you should too. Check out what the Bible says in 2 Corinthians 2:15: "Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing."
Questions:
Are you willing to get off your "pew" and get going? If so, how do you smell to the world?
Is there someone in your life who needs a helping hand? And how do you react when a friend is making a bad choice? Do you remain silent ... or do you speak up? What if it's a person in authority?
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