Reaching 2 – Being an Example to Those we Reach
In our first post, REACHING 1, I discussed the importance of building relationships with those that need Christ. I emphasized that the majority of people who give their life to Christ and remain committed to Christ and His church, come to Christ through a relative, friend, neighbor or co-worker. Let me encourage you once again, make it your aim to develop quality relationships with those that need Christ.
After we begin developing relationships with those that need Christ, it is imperative that we realize the importance of our example. People ALWAYS see more of what you do than what you say. How you live your life really defines your beliefs and convictions, moreso than some grandiose talk in the employee lounge. What you ‘possess’ is more important than what you, ‘confess’ to the spiritual seeker.
Non-Christians today are looking closely at those that call themselves a Christian, that includes you. I think they are genuinely looking for some real answers to the complex problems facing our world, as well as those that are haunting their own soul. People are perplexed! Conciously and subconciously, they are mulling over some seemingly critical questions regarding our Christian walk such as, “Does their lifestyle match their confession?” or, “Do they live what they believe?” Unfortunately, in many cases, the evidence gathered leads them down the path to a disturbing conclusion, “They are all talk, not much walk.” Ouch!
Many years ago while attending the University of London, Mahatma Ghandi was on a pursuit to find the one, “true super religion.” He decided to stay with a Christian family to observe their lifestyle and learn about their Christian beliefs. For the next six months he would observe their blatant hypocrisy, cringe at their negative comments about church leaders, and become appalled at their lack of commitment to their cause. At the end of his stay he made this chilling statement, “Christianity is not the one true religion I hoped to find, it is just one of many… I would have become a Christian if I just could have found one to convert me.”
Let’s get real for a moment. If I was to ask your friends and neighbors about your lifestyle, attitude, habits and commitment to Christ, how would you score? Would there be overwhelming evidence that attracts them to the God you serve, or a distate that repels them to pursue other options? You might want to ask them.
The Apostle Paul communicates the secret to his ncredible success of reaching people. In 1 Corinthians 9:27 he says, “I put my flesh in subjection to my spirit that when I preach the gospel I might not become disqualified.” Paul’s powerful words should remind us all of the importance of making sure that we discipline ourselves to live a godly life so that when we get the opportunity to share the Good News, that it has a powerful impact in the lives of those around us.
What areas of your life do you need to change today? What habits have had a negative impact on your testimony? Are there some attitudes that need adjusting? How about your speech? Make the decision today to change any area that might disqaulify you. You never know, you just might end up being an example to someone who needs Christ.
Stay tuned for REACHING 3
I totally agree with that Marc…we need more Christians out there who will exemplify Christ to society. And Christ’s not looking for us to be super-spiritual…just people who are available to respond when he asks us to. I think of Ananias in the Bible when he responded to God’s call to help Saul.
This is a thought-provoiking post, Marc. I hadn’t known that about Ghandi and I cringed when I began to read, knowing where it was likely to end. This form of living “Christianity” as a mere philosophy is an epidemic in the churches. We are guilty of reducing the life-giving ways of God to a religion that so much of the world abhores. Now it is true, that there will always be people who will despise the truth. But I feel so sad for the people who are starving for the truth but continuously are running themselves up against a brickwall, looking for Love in all the wrong places. Why do they not walk into a church? Because something is missing in the church, power. And that power will only come through a new revelation of who Christ is and how we are to see his creation. I believe we as a body need a radical paradigm shift so that we know how we are to bring his Kingdom to earth; Christ’s agenda not a fleshy one.
I thought the scripture you posted above, about putting the flesh in subjection to the spirit nails it. I’ve really been convicted lately about the sumo size of my soul and the childish size of my spirit. I think that when we see individual children of God renewed in their spirits, we will begin to experience the power we are all so hungry for. I am fully convinced that this is what the lost want. In our very intellectual and soulish world, their spirits are emaciated and are crying for something to eat, the Bread of Life. But it all begins with the children of God; as our spirits grow into our maturity, our faith will rise, and we will really be able to live as God intended us to live. We will be able to minister in Spirit and the lost need their spirits awakened. I believe that it is only the Spirit of God connecting to the human spirit that will bring about the power that transcends the mind and soul. Then the lost will really come because the answer they were looking for was right in front of them the whole time. I’m so excited to experience this myself, and to see all God’s people come into this kind of growth as well! Because I believe we, as God’s children, are destined for so much more, and that people should be clamoring to get at God when they are around us. Now that’s not happening in my life, YET, but God help us to know You more so that it starts happening!
Tara:
VERY well said. It is good to hear from you and that you are doing well. I do agree with you and believe that the greatest need for change is in the heart and mind of the believer. I made a statement in my book, Jesus Today that is pertinent to the point being discussed, “The value you place on that which is lost will determine the sacrifice you are willing to pay to find it.”
Too many Christians today value their own pleasures, needs and wants and are blinded to the needs that are right next to them. Until we renew our passion and heart for reaching out to those with needs consistently, they will continue to lay in wait for a helping hand, one that can lead them to the solution of their problems, Jesus Christ.
Excellent point Marc.
Its sad how selfish we can be. Christ went through (and to) hell for the lost and I have a hard time giving up my Sunday afternoon nap. It really is pathetic.