In today's society, there are many hearts to harvest for Christ, but they tend to dwell in uncertainty. (*Mathew 9:37) They see the most televised examples of "Christians" and decide they do not wish to be considered an extremist. They do not wish to participate in acts of hatred or discrimination, so they shy away from even admitting they believe in Christ.
When those examples, (those who are adamant they are proclaiming the gospel) steal the spotlight away from Christ's true message, the world sits in awe at how hateful Christians can be. Those examples are not Christian at all, but are twisting Scripture to mean what they would have it mean to support their own claims. This is not sharing the Good News.
As we rush to exalt ourselves, rather than Christ, we forget Luke 18:14*. Our human selves enjoy the attention, the false prestige we feel when others see us as knowledgeable in Scripture. We are reminded in James 4:10* how are supposed to behave.
Reminding myself to be authentically available for others:
I must intentionally arrive vulnerable and remain transparent.
I must be inwardly objective.
I must not be absorbed with myself.
I must give without reward.
I must heal spiritually.
I must not measure success by whether I can jump higher or run faster, but do what He calls me to.
I must not assume, but ask "How can I bless you?"
I must explain application to Scripture, which will require diligent study on my behalf first.
I must not only seek my own personal interests, but put first the needs, concerns, and interests of others.
*Mathew 9:37 Then He *said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.
*James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
*Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.
