The Gentle, Respectful and Open Invitation
There is a lot to be said about being gentle and respectful — especially when we interact with people who think, believe and behave differently than we do. Being harsh and disrespectful to others who are different than us isn’t a sign of commitment or superiority — it is a sign of weakness, fear, foolishness and a lack of love. Someone who always points fingers at others in a demeaning way shouldn’t hide behind their beliefs as a blanket excuse for their hatred, condescension, pride and self righteousness.
I do not have to shame and scare people out of their tribe and into mine. I do not have to win converts into my way of thinking. You see, I serve a Holy and powerful God who calls me to be loving, gentle, respectful, generous, and forgiving even towards anyone that considers themselves my enemy.
It isn’t my depth of understanding or application of his wise guidance, precepts or laws that I use to convince people “to consider my religion as their best choice” — but it is the visible testimony of my new life walking with Him, my explaining how the truth of the gospel impacts me deeply, personally and powerfully each day, and my heartfelt reliance upon Christ in me (the Holy Spirit, God with us, Emmanuel) to bear fruit that is a blessing to those around me. That all serves as the call for others to “Come as you are” to meet my beloved Jesus.
That statement “Come as you are” can make many a self-righteous, religious man (who trusts in his own actions, not in the grace and mercy and power of God) hate and lash out at “those people who deserve hell” — but this is the ONLY GOSPEL THAT CAN SAVE! That statement “come as you are” is the only perspective that can keep a preacher safely on his knees in front of the cross– instead of lifted up on a pedestal where he will fall like a great weight has been tied around his neck. That statement “Come as you are” is the only exit ramp sign that breaches the gap between the broad and The narrow Way.
I invite you, my friends, to “Come as you are” not so you can try change your ways and be a better or more blessed person — but so that by the power of God you WILL be so much more than just those things. I invite you to “come as you are” because you are wonderful, amazing, unique and loved — regardless of how others see you or how anyone (including you) thinks you “measure up”. I have found a friend in Christ who lives in me, I have believed in Savior Jesus who lived died and was resurrected, and I have realized a Good, Good Father in Almighty God — and my confidence, my hope, and even my faith is a precious gift that I have been given and told to spread out on my table and invite others to “Come as you are” and to “taste and see that the Lord is good”. Amen.
1 Peter 3:15 AMP
[15] But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope and confident assurance [elicited by faith] that is within you, yet [do it] with gentleness and respect.
Harold J. Ballinger 