October 02, 2014
Outside the church: Another
unit in this series focuses on Christ’s mission and the mission of the church.
For now, it is important to note that God’s purpose for creating the church is
not the people inside, but the people outside. Any congregation, if it is an
authentic expression of God’s purpose will be focused on the service it can do
for God in the world. The same
principles described above go double for those outside our group.
We must remember that the purpose of God’s called and chosen
community is to live a life of blessing to all within reach.
We must remember that those outside the church are also
diverse, have different gifts, all given by God, whether they are presently being
used for Him or not, and that the weaker are to be given the greatest honor,
the less prepossessing to be treated the most special.
We must remember most of all the Great Standard. Love First,
No Matter What.
We can expect to be argued with, sneered at, denied, and
belittled. Not, usually, by those we are working with outside the fold,
unfortunately. We can keep on bending down and washing feet. They won’t all
come. Judas didn’t. They may say they will and then betray you and/or God.
Peter did. (I have; have you?) God has a plan for each of them. It might include
a plan that you would love them as no
one else ever has. It may include great jobs they will one day do for God. Or
it may not. Our job is to minister today, and love no matter what.
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