Pop Your Bubble
People tend to fall into friend groups or cliques or circles and, if we are not intentional about avoiding this, it can lead us to isolate ourselves from anyone who is different from us. If we avoid those who do not share our same beliefs then when we encounter people who are lost, we can feel very uncomfortable around them. This isn’t how Jesus behaved at all.
“But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with such scum?’ When Jesus heard this, he told them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.’” (Mark 2:16-17)
Not only did He spend time with sinners and call them to follow Him, He explained that it is sinners for whom He came. Thank God for that, for we would all be lost if Jesus only came to affirm those who already saw themselves as righteous. Unfortunately, once we are saved, we can slip into the mindset that we need to avoid sinners, those who have rejected Christ and live a sinful lifestyle. We feel comfortable with other believers and if we are not diligent about guarding against this mentality, we can begin to avoid and fear those who are stuck in sin. How will those living in darkness know it is darkness if they never see the light?
“‘You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.’” (Matthew 5:14)
“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, ‘I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.’” (John 8:12)
“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5)
We are not called to avoid the darkness of this world but to shine the Light of Christ into it. We are made for community, and the writer of Hebrews instructed believers to never neglect meeting together. It’s important to be a part of the church community, but if you find yourself only surrounded by believers and you feel a rush of fear or intimidation when you cross paths with someone who is in the chains of sin, perhaps you have constructed a bubble in which only those who believe are allowed in. Jesus gave up Heaven for you. Can you give up your bubble for those who are lost? Consider stepping outside of your bubble and live among those who are not believers. Do not live foolishly among them, but live wisely among non-believers. There may be some people of whom it is wise to keep your distance, though. Love them and don’t plan evil against your neighbor (Proverbs 3:29), do no wrong to your neighbor (Romans 13:10), but it may be a wise choice to keep your children or family away from people if they are living a dangerous lifestyle. Finally, Paul instructs us to make the most of every opportunity. Don’t let an opportunity to shine your light pass by. It’s a dark world, yes, but how dark can it be when you have the light of Christ in you? Live wisely among those who are non-believers and shine the light of Christ in this dark world.
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.
—Redeemed
