Most of our efforts are aimed at putting people in categories we can easily understand. There’s no shame in that; it’s how our minds work. The problem is that much of the time our categories are not God’s. When we see our own judgments, we end up associating with people who are a lot like us in terms of our skin color, economic status, political opinions, religious views, etc. We are most comfortable with similar people because we are more familiar with their characteristics. We have a lot in common with them – at least on the surface.
But such associations don’t spring exclusively from the love of Christ. They don’t take us on An Adventure Of Reconciliation. They don’t always lead us where God wants us to go. They see people in terms of the kingdom of this world, not in terms of The Kingdom of God.
“From now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” (2 Corinthians 5:16)
According to God, there are two kinds of people in the world: those who are in Christ, and those who are not. Those who are in Christ are one with us – no distinctions of language, economy, race, gender, or heritage. We are united in a common Savior. Those who are not in Christ are sought by God. And if they are sought by God, they are to be sought by God’s children of reconciliation.
If we are followers of Jesus, then we are His children of reconciliation. It is our calling to go to people whom God seeks. There are no biblical distinctions between them: Jew, Greek, black, white, male, female, rich, poor – all are sought by God. We may be more effective among some, but all are potential believers. God wants reconciliation with everyone. And God’s point of view is to be ours.
Have a peace-filled weekend. Make it better by worshiping The Lord with those who see His plan and purpose as clearly as He does and also live each day to see how He’s going to use them to make a difference in someone’s life.
All For Jesus – Nothing More, Nothing Less, Nothing Else.
Vic Alvarado 