"We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me." -Romans 15:1-3
I listened to a message the other day by Jackie Pullinger, which has been titled [i]The Dream of the Kingdom
At one point she talks about her associations with gang leaders there in ministering the Gospel. And then she mentions how people would come to associate her with them, even mistaking her as one of [i]their women
I can see that.
"And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at meat in the house, behold, many publicans and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?"
[b][color=660033]The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners.[/color]
For many of us here, we are ready to be reproached for the name of Christ, for preaching His Gospel. We are fully prepared in our minds to stand in the market place and cry aloud "repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand."
But I wonder, are we willing also to bare the shame of those we call to repentance? Are we willing, not only to dash in and out among them, but also to get close enough that they might be able to touch our garments?
Our Lord was.
Brothers and sisters, I don't share this to be a conscience to any of you. Be it far from me. But oh may we have grace, and may we be humble, and may we have a willing heart, if He should lead us this way.