Outcast

by Pastor Timothy Fortune

A beggar might get cast out of a formal dinner held in a fancy hotel. A drug addict might get thrown out of a retail store for acting deranged. In a social circle someone might get cast out for not fitting into the mold. The world is made up of many different people and they come from all kinds of backgrounds. Not accepting someone despite their differences can be damaging to that person and you could miss the opportunity to have an impact in their life. Sometimes in church I think we get comfortable with those around us who we know fit into our “perfect world”. What would happen if someone walked into your church with their hair as colorful as a rainbow, all kinds of piercings, dressed like they might be going to a grunge concert? Imagine the thoughts in most people’s mind? They might be thinking, “what are they doing here?”, or “someone call the law.” We can sometimes be so quick to judge.

Jesus accepted people for who they were. Now, He didn’t like some of their actions and lifestyles, but He accepted and loved them. Some of His own disciples were of the “outcast” crowd. As Christians we should never cast people out because of their lifestyles or beliefs. Just because someone has a different thinking than you or I we shouldn’t treat him or her any different. How can we ever expect to reach them if we put up walls and keep them out? Treating others like they have the plague will push them away and any occasion to share the gospel with them might be lost.

We all need friends, and instead of avoiding someone try being nice and speaking to them. I think we should befriend others. Instead of pushing Jesus down their throat we need to live a life that is an example of His life. Let them see the Love of God in us. Besides, if what you live doesn’t back up what you say, then you have lost your effectiveness with that person. Illinois is the “Show Me State”; as Christians we need to be a lot more about showing the Love of God. We are not bodyguards of the gospel casting out those that we think don’t belong. Let’s be more in tune to the heart of God, who gave His only Son for the “outcasts”.