September 13, 2010
Colossians 4
Pastor Wil Mouer
Reaching the “Outsider”
Take a minute and think of a time when you felt like you didn’t belong. I’m sure that everyone can identify with this feeling. It is not fun. I would describe these times as feeling that everyone has the inside track on a topic of conversation about which I have no idea. It can make you feel like you are not a part of the “in crowd.”
It’s interesting to me that, in the New International Version, the word “outsider” is used in Colossians 4:5, where the Apostle Paul encourages us to “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” The “outsiders” to whom Paul referred were non-believers or non-Christians.
- As Christians, how do we act toward these individuals?
- Do we have our “church friends” with whom we talk on Sundays or Mondays, and unknowingly ignore the outsider coming to church for the first time?
- Do we use Christian lingo in our conversations or meetings, making people feel that they can’t connect?
- Do we ignore opportunities to impact outsiders in our neighborhoods or workplaces?
I think that we all can be guilty of this from time to time. In fact, it has been proven that the longer a person is a Christian, the less contact that person has with non-Christians.
So…what should we do?
First, Paul implores us to be watchful and in prayer before instructing us to use wisdom in the way that we act. Let’s take this to heart and really act on it. Wouldn’t it be great if all of us reading this devotional would follow that three-step process? These simple-but-effective steps can be the catalyst for an “outsider” to become an “insider.”
Let’s all think of at least one “outsider” that we can impact this week. Who is the “outsider” you are called to reach?
A third-generation Foursquare pastor, Wil directs Grace Covenant student ministries (middle school, high school, college/young adults).
