EVERY Means EVERY

Rick Isaiah

READY

“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” — 1 Corinthians 9:22

SET

Sometimes as Christ-followers, in an effort to not be tempted to sin, surround ourselves with only other Christ-followers. That sounds like a really good strategy. However, it stops short of fulfilling the Great Commission—to make disciples. It isn't easy to live out the Great Commission by only being in fellowship with other believers in Jesus.

I am convinced that if Jesus were walking on the earth today, He certainly would be in a worship service or a Bible study glorifying the Lord. However, I also believe He would be in fellowship with people who Christians would avoid. I spent the early years of my ministry isolated from family other than special occasions (weddings, funerals, holidays). I regret not being more visible in my family’s life to be a living testimony of God’s grace and mercy. Today, commit to being with family as often as your schedule will allow.

I believe this is Paul’s heart as he wrote to the church at Corinth to be with those who did not know Christ in the hope of winning them to Christ.

The key is you are spiritually strong. The question then is, what are you doing to grow in your faith, and can you be around those who are not walking with the Lord and be a witness for Jesus and remain unspotted? I am a firm believer that ministry is messy, and we will have to get dirty if we live out the Great Commission. Woe to us and the world if we don’t.

GO  

• What are you doing to grow spiritually?   
• Is there someone in your life God is leading you to hang out with who is not walking with Christ?

WORKOUT

John 4:7–30; Luke 19:1–10

OVERTIME

"Father, thank You for saving me. Help me see people as You see them and help me to love them well. Amen."