The Bible says, ‘Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them’ (1 John 2:15 NIV). But some of us act like loving the Lord more requires loving those around us less. We feel awkward around them, or lose touch with them, or forget how to communicate with them, or we give off signals that we’re spiritually superior to them. The Contemporary English Bible puts it this way: ‘If you act wisely, others will follow’ (Proverbs 11:30 CEV). You’re called to bring joy to people, not judge them. God’s already established a time and a place for judging, and you won’t be on the throne when He does it. Jesus is called ‘the good shepherd’ (John 10:11), and the Greek word for good literally means ‘engaging, attractive, fetching.’ Christ was so magnetic that people were automatically drawn to Him. Are they drawn to you? Jesus said we’re to be salt and light. Salt makes the taste of food more enjoyable, and light shed on their path shows people the right way to go. Because they were wise and winsome, Isaiah the prophet spoke into the lives of kings, the three Hebrew children changed the politics of Babylon, and Joseph the economist saved Egypt from famine. Let’s get out into our cities, into our communities, and do what the people of God have been called to do since the start: Bring life. Point to Jesus. Do it wisely
