Discipleship

February 5, 2021

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 9:16-23

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

How inclusive are we? Who do we want to join our churches? How do we alter our approach to others based on what we perceive to be their need rather than how important or impressive we are? We have a caste system in the USA that locks people into categories that lock them out of full participation in our world and carries over into our churches.

Many years ago, I knew of a church that was outstanding in offering help to others. This all-white church was contacted to help an African American family who lived near the church whose primary breadwinner was injured, and the family suddenly found themselves destitute. This church gave them food, paid the rent for a couple of months, and provided other services. The man who had been injured visited the church after his recovery. When the pastor invited anyone who would like to join or profess their faith in Jesus Christ, the man went forward. The pastor welcomed him with open arms and said I think Joe wants to thank us for all we have done for him and his family. The man did not lift his eyes. He did say softly into the microphone thank you. The pastor gave the closing prayer. The man got the message he was not welcomed as a part of the church. Feeding the hungry etc., is an essential role for all Christ-followers. It does not substitute for loving all our brothers and sisters who God created. God does not judge anyone by how well they are fulfilling the world’s expectations of them. People do.

Prayer: Lord, make us mindful when our actions turn others away from you. Teach us to love as Jesus loved. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.