- Difference Makers
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“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” – Colossians 4:5 (NIV)
When Paul talks about “outsiders,” he is talking about those outside the Christian faith. We might refer to them as “non-believers.” Whichever term we use, in no way is it intended to indicate that these folks are somehow inferior to those of us who are “insiders.”
Christ died for everyone. So, the goal of the “insider” is to bring the “outsider” into a relationship with Christ, and thus into the family of God. Paul tells us that, in order to be successful in that task, we need to be wise in the way we act because there is always an opportunity for us to demonstrate what it means to be a follower of Christ.
Being wise involves integrity. Followers of Christ should do their work, pay their bills, keep their promises, and deal honestly with others. Those outside the faith put a much higher value on our honesty and integrity than they do our profession and doctrine. In other words, they will judge Christianity not by what we profess to believe, but rather by how we live what we profess to believe.
While we are to do our best to bring others into a relationship with Christ, we do not have the power to convert them. That power belongs to the Holy Spirit. We do, however, have the power to drive someone away from the faith by our actions. So, be wise.
Your Pastor,
David Hulme
Senior Pastor