I believe this freshly released document confirms and details quite profoundly the fleshly intricacies of Man/Woman relationships that many of us have either experienced, seen or not seen demonstrated, that may be yet residing and retrievable in our cerebral memory banks.
As mentioned early on, this document is remarkably without any scriptural inferences which fulfills my present calling of presenting secular readers, whether brand new or long time acquaintances, in my tenuous circle of influence whom may not share our Hope and under-girding Faith perspective. I am continually searching for those unoffensive worthy wisdom documents espousing an overwhelmingly attractive array of practical life truths that are available yet on the internet to everyone.
Since I’m anticipating resistance will be increasingly polarized against Christians verbally sharing their faith, I follow Paul’s model in Athens whence he established rapport with the Greeks before telling them about Jesus. He stood amidst their many idols and commented about their devotion to their many gods (Acts 17:22) Rather than rail against the idolatry of Athens, Paul used their symbols of pagan pride to gain their attention.
Another time, when speaking to educated Jewish leaders in Jerusalem, Paul pointed out his own high level of education in order to earn their respect ( Acts 22:1-2) He never bragged about his credentials, but if pertinent information would give him credibility with a specific audience, he did what he could to find common ground with them. He knew how to behave in a Hebrew household, but he could dispense with the cultural Jewish traditions when he was in a Greek household. He could be “all things to all people” for the sake of the gospel.
Understand, this does not mean we as His ambassadors are to compromise with the world in order to fit in, as an excuse to live worldly lives, assuming that unrepentant sinners will be impressed and want to come to Christ. Paul never compromised God’s moral standards set forth in Scripture; rather, he was willing to forgo traditions and familiar comforts in order to reach any audience, Jewish or non-Jewish.
The following Four Rules of Engagement for Disciples / Ambassadors were found recently in a untitled file and I do not know its source.
- We need to listen. We are often too eager to share our thoughts, especially when we know how badly the other person needs to hear about Jesus. It is best if our lives prompt their questions and inquiries inviting us to share our hope in Him as well as His Love for them.
- Be kind, as kindness is often forgotten in the passion of the moment, and especially so in the anonymity of the internet. Kindness and respect never go out of style and are appropriate regardless of the subject matter.
- Be sensitive to culture. Our U.S. culture is changing rapidly and frequently our Judeo-Christian principles are no longer accepted or even understood. By first listening to discern where people are camped spiritually finding commonality with them, we may be able to reach those hungry for a truth they’ve never heard, such as in the worthy wisdom literature I’m collecting and using as bait when fishing for souls.
- Deal with prejudice. We all carry some form of prejudice. Ironically, even those who denounce prejudice of any sort are usually quite prejudiced against those they consider prejudiced! Admitting to God our own pride and repenting of judgmental attitudes and lack of love should be an ongoing process for Christians producing fruit in His kingdom.
Remember, our goal is to be inoffensive in every way except in the matter of the cross. The message of the cross of Christ naturally gives offense, but we cannot water it down. “The preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” I Cor. 1:18. When we strive to follow Paul’s example and become all things to all people, we must be willing to humble ourselves, let go of our “rights,” meet people where they are, and do whatever Jesus calls us to do. Since He died to save them, are we not obligated to love them enough to tell them in “ways” they can understand?
BOTTOM LINE:
In attempting this mission, with internet access to worthy secular wisdom literature such as the above document addressing our culture’s number one ailment, relationship pain, perhaps we as His ambassadors can facilitate productive meaningful conversations among our secular readers and friends who may not share our Hope and Faith perspective. Hopefully, all the while, helping them better understand their present relationship challenges moving them towards possible healing, all of which may establish their future trust in Christ. Can you see endless opportunities to share His Love if you’re called or so inclined in a dozen or so of our culture’s hot button topics?
NEXT UP: What To Do When Your Burden Is Overwhelming (April 13th My Utmost FHH)