Every Gospel-minded believer looks for opportunities to build bridges of influence with non-Christians.
Bridges are essential if seeds of the Good News are to be carried over and planted into the lives of those apart from Christ.
The Apostle Paul excelled at exhibiting his passion for Christ in ways that connected him with lost people.
“I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” I Corinthians 9:22
It doesn’t take very long in reading of Paul’s ministry life to see how fervent he was for evangelism. In jail or in the marketplace or in a synagogue, Paul’s fervor for an infectious faith was the same.
One thing you don’t see in his life, though, is spiritual compromise in order to build bridges with an unsaved person.
Paul didn’t need to go to “happy hour” or other world-centric activities in order to build a connection with hurting hearts. He looked for other opportunities within in their lives.
He understood that embracing spiritual compromise as an evangelistic approach is like asking a dieting person if he or she would meet you at the ice cream shop to talk about weight-loss strategies.
Let’s be careful that the common ground that we’re called to seek with others is common ground that Jesus would stand on.
Let’s pray more fervently that the Holy Spirit lead us in our connection efforts with those needing Christ. Such efforts clearly don’t have to be “churchy,” but they do have to be Christ-friendly, whether in the stands of a kids’ baseball game or at the wine-available wedding reception or at the workplace Christmas party.
Let’s remember Paul’s warning in I Corinthians 10:12 against thinking that we can handle any temptation circumstances within which we place ourselves —
“If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall.”
Let’s stand where we know Jesus will stand with us. It’s better for us, better for those we’re trying to convert and certainly better for the Kingdom.
As always, I love you
Martin
