The church has boundaries. It is inclusive and exclusive
at the same time. Without boundaries we would not be able to identify the
church. The apostle Paul identifies those outside of the church boundaries as
“outsiders.” There are “insiders” and “outsiders.” What are the boundary
markers for the church? “…The Christian ideal of the communion of saints and
the congregation and the Eucharist [Lord’s Supper] as forms of community…”
[Wendell Willis (2011-2012). “The Erosion of Community: A Challenge to the
Church.” Christian Studies 25. Page
13).
The
assembled, baptized, communing believers in Christ make up the body of Christ.
Three times in his letters the apostle
Paul refers to those outside the boundaries of the believing community. Look at
each passage below and note why he brings it up:
“Be
wise in the way you act toward outsiders;
make the most of every opportunity.”
In
our Christian walk we have to be very careful and wise in our dealings with
outsiders because we want to make the most of every opportunity to be a good
witness for Jesus. Wise Christian leaders are aware of their influence, and
have the “eyes of opportunity” so they can see where a kind word, a kind act or
kind gesture can make a world of difference!
“…so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”
Here
Paul is very emphatic regarding the pragmatic way that Christians live.
Sponging off of others and not pulling one’s weight in life, and depending on
others when you could fend for yourself, will lose the respect of outsiders. A
lazy, enabled, entitled way of life certainly does not comment itself as a way
of life that honors God and respects others!
“He
must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the
devil’s trap.”
Bishops/elders
must be careful about their reputation with non-Christians. They are a model of
grace, and never want to be a disgrace or be ripe-picking for the devil. The
power of their influence is immense! This is why Christian leadership should be
taken so seriously.
In the midst of being thankful for the
boundaries of our community of faith, let us always and forever be aware of how
we may impact and influence those who
are “outsiders.” May God grant us the wisdom to live and lead in such a way
that many more “outsiders” may become “insiders!”
In
Christian love, Curtis
