138. THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. Matthew 9-13

Author Nicole Unice says the suspicions some people have about Christians are: “they judge me. They portray that they are better than I am. They don’t approve or accept me for who I am. They don’t appear to think I would fit into their religion. They are too serious and no fun to be with..” Jesus hung around enough parties for the Pharisees to accuse him of being a drunkard. He befriended forbidden women. He interacted with people so that He could introduce them to His Father. He broke through stereotypes and communicated God as He truly is – Approachable, Merciful and Graceful. The people who were most upset with Him… were the ones who preferred...the rules of the religion. .. The concept of a free and joyful life with Jesus may sound basic for you, but is that what your neighbours think? It feels as comfortable as sweatpants to hang out with people who believe and feel as we do, But there’s a job to be done! Fellowship among believers is a wonderful gift. But if we are truly to follow Jesus’ example, we need to look for opportunities to engage those around us. In the above Scripture Jesus said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but sick people do...Instead of offering sacrifices to me… be merciful to others.” Some Christians are so insulated from non believers that they have no meaningful interaction with them. And the more time passes, the more comfortable they become in that nice, cosy place where everyone thinks, acts and speaks the same way; Until eventually they lose touch with the very people Jesus came to save. So find common ground with (non believers) Gardening, fishing, running, keep fit classes etc. Look for an opportunity to tell them about Christ and what He has done for you. You don’t have to push it, just tell them, and allow God to do the rest. If they come back to you about your relationship with Jesus, that’s an indication that God is asking you to talk more about Him to them. Don’t rush it, be soft and gentle; pray privately for their conversation asking the Holy Spirit for more opportunities and guidance. You won’t have all the answers, but, with a gentle spirit, you can put them in touch with someone who can explain things more fully. To them. It’s called “Thinking outside the religious box.” There is a difference in loving non-believers and loving their ways. Paul says, in (1 Corinthians 9-22) “Find common ground with everyone, doing everything you can to save some.” So (1) be courteous Everything (you) say should be kind and well thought out. (Colossians 4-6) (2) Be genuine. Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them.” (Romans 12-9) Jesus found common ground (water) with the women at the well, and she made peace with God, See (John 4) Then she brought her family and friends to meet Jesus You have to spend time around Non-believers to tell them about Jesus. When Levi invited Jesus and His Disciples to his home as dinner guests along with Tax Collectors and other disreputable sinners, the Pharisees asked why. And Jesus said to them in (Mark 2-16-17) ”Healthy people don’t need a doctor, but those who are sick do. I have come to call sinners, not those who think they have God’s approval.” Author Mark Robertson observes; At that time and even today in that part of the world, table fellowship signifies deep intimacy. To eat with someone is to share in their life and to allow them to share in yours. The Pharisees who were committed to the highest standards of ritual purity… expected Jesus to do as they did, keeping plenty of distance between themselves and these questionable types who might compromise Jesus’ holiness. But, Jesus never saw people as ‘less than’ He always treated people with dignity, regardless of how they treated Him. And He was never concerned with maintaining a religious facade. He ate with sinners, because they needed His help and were open to ask for and receive it How about you? Are you more concerned about what people think about you than you are about those who need Jesus. Think about this question, and ask the Holy Spirit to give you not just the ability, but the eagerness of spirit to talk about Jesus in your normal conversation. I do it this way, when I’m talking to a non-believer, I tell them about my very good friend who picks me up for church because I don’t drive. Then I drop into the conversation one of my aspects of faith, starting with something like “Oh my faith has helped so much when making decisions about my children’s education, or financial options, or with my teenagers. Look for opportunities, God will send them, and help you if you are sincere. Thank you for reading these few words on thinking outside the box. God bless, Phaline ​