A Light in Dark Places

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What do you do when you encounter someone who leads a lifestyle that is perceived as very controversial and contrary to scripture? Perhaps this is a person who is addicted to drugs or alcohol, a member of a cult, someone who is homosexual or transgendered, or someone who is involved in risqué or illegal activity, etc.  Christians and much of society would say that people who lead these types of lifestyles are on the fringes of life.  It can be very challenging for a Christian who may want to reach out, but may not because they fear not knowing what to do or what to say when placed in the situation of having to minister to someone on the fringes of life.

Over the years, societal views have become tolerant of lifestyles viewed as controversial and unacceptable.   The mainstream media has incessantly ushered in the acceptance of many of these lifestyles and ostracized those who stand in opposition.  Even those living in these lifestyles have tried to justify their actions by challenging the inerrancy of scripture.  Sadly, there are even Christian denominations that have sided with the world’s position.  On the other hand, those who have “acted in the name of the Lord” and protested at military funerals, committed violence, and self righteously condemned people have made it very difficult for the church to maintain a consistent and credible witness.   Should Christians be taken aback by this?  Not at all!  2 Timothy 3:1-9 and 2 Timothy 4: 3-4 say that these things would happen in the end times.  Therefore, Christians should not be troubled because God has prepared us through his word.  This is a time of great excitement because God has given us an awesome opportunity to demonstrate and share the love of Jesus Christ.

Jesus was often called a friend of sinners (Luke 5:29-30 and Luke 15:1-2).  In Matthew 9:12-13 (NLT) Jesus says, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.”  We should follow this example.  Jesus befriended many people who were in sin and on the fringes of society.  He went among them to bring them out of their sin, not to justify their sin.  Likewise, under the leading and prompting of the Holy Spirit, we must do the same.  Ultimately, Jesus loved them and all of mankind so much that he willingly laid down his life to pay the penalty for all sin.

Those who live lifestyles that are considered to be controversial are often characterized by some Christians as being on a journey.  This phrase “on a journey” is sometimes used as an inoffensive way to illustrate the spiritual condition of a person who does not know Christ.  However, one must be careful of using this phrase as a Christian cliché intended only as a mere observation of a person’s spiritual condition with no obligation to take action.  After all, this person who is on a journey is on a path that is outside of the will of God and dare I say, is lost.  They are on a path which leads to eternal separation from God.   God has placed Christians in their paths to be a witness for Jesus Christ and to show them the genuine love of Christ.  If God has brought someone like this into your life, whether it be an acquaintance or a member of your family, he has entrusted you with a tremendous opportunity to share Christ with them.  1 Peter 3:15 says, “…Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”  Here are some guidelines that can be used to plant and water seeds:

• Pray for God to open doors of opportunity to plant and water seeds.
• Do not judge, condemn or disrespect the person.   Show them the genuine love of Christ.  Put on spiritual lenses and look at the person through the eyes of Christ.  (2 Timothy 2:23-26 and Colossians 4:5-6).
• Tell them how much God loves them.
• Be a good friend and listener.
• Do not attempt to change the person into whom you think they should be.  Only God has the power to change the person’s heart.   Again, show the genuine love of Christ and be ready for the opportunity to share the love of Christ.
• Don’t avoid the person.
• Do not add emphasis to the person’s sin.  We do not have the authority to say which sin is the worst nor should we consider ourselves to have a moral high ground over anyone.  Sin is sin and all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).
• Live before them as a credible witness.
• Listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit on when to speak, what to say and pray that your actions and words will be received.
• Share your personal testimony of how God saved you and delivered you from sin.
• Be truthful if you’re asked or led by the Holy Spirit to discuss God’s viewpoint on sin.   Know scriptural references used in correct context.  Be gentle and humble but do not compromise the truth of God’s word.
• Pray for God to keep you focused and Christ centered.
• Don’t place yourself in a compromising or dangerous situation.  Meaning, don’t partake in sin as an approach to bring someone else out of sin.
• There are Christian organizations that specialize in reaching people who lead controversial lifestyles.  Enlist their help and with the person’s permission, ask these organizations to get involved.
• Make constant intercession for this person’s salvation.  Pray that God will use you or another Christian as a conduit for sharing his plan of salvation.

These acts of love and kindness will not be forgotten.  Think of the potential that someone who has been saved by God’s grace has to be used by God to witness to others who struggle with the same sin they were delivered from.  Truly, God would be glorified.

In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Our Savior was the living embodiment of love shown to the lost.   May we follow his command to demonstrate his love and share his grace to those who don’t know him.