Salvation. It is super-natural. Not part of the natural world. It is God initiated and God consummated. People may hear our words and even see how we live our lives as "peculiar people", and yet not ever believe the message of the Gospel. You live and work around those "un-believers" every day. Here in Florida, I have become very aware of where I am in terms of a spiritual wasteland. By and large the people I meet and work with are not Christians. When their time comes, and it will, they will be going through the Wide Gate.
“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few." - Matthew 7:13-14
I am an ambassador, like you. I am merely passing through this land, like you. Although some people I meet, knowing who I am, think that they should be careful not to use profanity around me or limit their coarse joking around me, I am not offended by it. They are merely expressing their hearts and reflecting their culture. [That is not to say that we should intentionally expose ourselves to the norms of the culture by watching television or movies that are ripe with sinful behavior. In addition, there are certain sins that were a part of our old life before Christ that we need to distance ourselves from less we be tempted ourselves. Like a recovering alcoholic choosing to sit in a bar because they like the people and the music and be determined not to drink. For most if not all it won't be long before the first sip.] It's not that I don't appreciate their restraint, when they exercise it. What I think, though, is that they should be more concerned with God, who they cannot see, than with me who they can see.
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the one who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28
But they are not - not until perhaps they meet Jesus on the road. Jesus was accused by the religious leaders of making friends with sinners. Like a fish in salt water, Jesus was surrounded by sin and sinners, yet like the fish, was not affected by His surroundings. The same is true for us. We are called to "Go" into a sinful world and be light in the midst of the darkness. We are not to embrace the darkness. Rather, we are to be a light house to warn others of the eternal danger. Not all will believe, only some.
This culture and time that we live in is certainly dark. The contrast between what men say is right and what God says is right have never been more obvious. What is practiced in the day was unthinkable just a few years ago. Now is not the time for Christians to withdraw from their culture. Instead we need to "Be the Light". Don't be so quick to be offended by coarse language. Understand its roots. Like Jesus, ignore the language and look to the heart. Those people are spiritually blind and headed for the wide gate. "Be the Light House".
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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