Friend of sinners

Friend of sinners

… they say the Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and “sinners”. Matthew 11:19 NIV

When I examine my circle of friends, I don't think that I find enough sinners. Of course, the strongest bonds I have are with believers. With them I can be myself. When I am with my Christian friends I am free to express myself without fear of reprisals. But when I compare my list of friends with that of Christ, my circle of friends almost seems sanitized. Maybe my sphere of friendships should include a few more people of more reprobate character.

When we become believers, we oftentimes find ourselves disconnecting from our old ways. The perks of the life style changes are obvious. We avoid temptation and we also gain a better reputation. Frankly, it should be that way. We should be different than we were before because the Spirit of Christ lives in us. But I ask you to consider the call. “The call” is to go back from whence you came. Why go back? We go back to proclaim the gospel (good news) of Christ. And, that proclamation is best stated in the lives of those that have been “made new” by The Blood. The thing I fear is that too few of us are willing to go back because it may damage our reputations. What would people say if we were seen among prostitutes and at the local pub?

If (or when) God has called you to go and seek out the hurting and the lost, go with confidence. God will provide what you need to fulfill His purpose. If people talk about you and call you names, then that is good. They called Christ a drunk, a glutton and a friend to prostitutes, tax collectors and sinners. What better compliment is there then that we could be jeered at just like Christ?