outreach

There is a lot of talk in religious circles about the type of relationships we are to have with those “outside the faith.” In particular this discussion centers on the Christian’s connections, or lack thereof, with the world. On the one hand, some believers are leery of anything that might, in their view, lead to compromise. If we get too close to those outside the faith, we are liable to find ourselves in some type of nefarious behavior. On the other hand, others seem committed to mimicking cultural attitudes precisely because they hope to reach others with the gospel. So, if we look and dress like others, we might win them to our cause.

In thinking through these issue, a number of factors warrant our consideration. First, it is obviously important, in whatever degree of closeness we attain with others, to avoid anything that is actually inappropriate. Fidelity to Christian priorities is essential. Second, it is also important to seek as much clarity as possible when it comes to these priorities; if we are going to avoid the error of the Pharisees, a clear distinction must be made between genuine truth claims and their bearing on our lives and cultural (including Christian sub-cultural) mores. This distinction is critical, for confusing truth with human ideals, however well intentioned, will likely lead to either spiritual laxness (“nothing matters, so we can let our guard down”) or legalism (“our scruples are equivalent to God’s commandments”). Third, it is unquestionably important to have an others-centered focus, attempting to reach others with the message and compassion of Jesus. Fifth, this outreach is best accomplished by simply being with others, living among them faithfully. There is no need, in other words, to avoid contact with the world, which only serves to distance us from those we claim to care about. In doing this, however, we needn’t go to extremes, somehow thinking that we must frantically emulate others. Artificial efforts to copy others make us look like outsiders ourselves, as those who live on the fringe of society and pretend to be a part of it, which is disingenuous. When this occurs, we come across like we have a (not so) hidden agenda.

The way ahead in these matters is to conduct our lives in a authentic fashion, with minds bathed in the truth, hearts aware of own weaknesses and tendencies, and with a genuine commitment to the welfare of others. We’re not out to win them to our team or to win an argument or to prove that we are right. Rather, we see them as God’s creatures, as those whom God loves, as human beings who can benefit from a touch of divine grace. To the degree that we can facilitate their reception of this grace, we are truly reaching out to benefit others. In a mysterious, uncertain, and sometimes dangerous world, our responsibility is avoid any type of arrogant stance, instead seeking to share the love of God with those He sends our way.