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Jude 22, 23 (NIV)
Be merciful to those who doubt;
snatch others from the fire and save them.
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| When it comes to exercising genuine compassion, a person’s need should determine how we respond.* |
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Many Christians live in constant danger of falling away. Some merely
need to be taught not to play with matches. Others need to be rescued from a
burning building. Each of us has a part to play in the rescue process.
In my home church, we have people who minister to the homeless. We
also have a ministry that helps people who are dealing with addictions and
destructive habits. We have friendly people who make our visitors feel welcome
when they come in the door. We have a host of volunteers in our children’s department
who have my abiding admiration.
If
we were all firefighters, rushing in with our protective gear and our tools, we
would not be meeting the needs of those who are merely playing with matches. As
Paul wrote in I Corinthians 12.14, “Now the body is not made up of one part but
many.” Just as the body does not function as well with one foot as it does with
two, the church body needs every member’s abilities and passions to meet the
needs of the lost or the about-to-be-lost. Jude’s admonition clearly shows our
responsibility as faithful Christians toward those who are confused about the faith,* or who are purposely living in defiance of it.
Each job in the church is equally important - from showing mercy to dragging a lost soul from the blazing fire - so don't neglect your calling.
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| No fall is sudden. . . . [No] man [has] been dragged over into the domain of evil, who had not strayed carelessly, or gazed curiously or lingered guiltily beside its verge.* |
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