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“Those People”

I was involved in a conversation recently where a person who has grown up in church and claims to have been a Christian most of their life made an interesting statement.  The conversation was moving in the direction of how Christ-followers are responsible for building relationships with people who don’t follow Christ.  Then came the statement that is still ringing in my ears, “I just don’t cross paths with ‘those people’ in my circle of friends.” 

I just about came unglued!  I felt like Bobby Cox probably feels when he comes out of the dugout after an umpire clearly misses a call on the field.  It was all I could do to keep my composure, but because I am a good pastor and want to stay in the good graces of the people in this community, and largely because I don’t want to go to jail, I kept my composure and have waited until now to fully address the comment.  To that person who doesn’t cross paths with “those people”:

• ‘Those people’ are created in the image of Almighty God.
• ‘Those people’ simply need to hear that their creator loves them and created them for a relationship with HIM.
• ‘Those people’ are who Jesus Christ died for on the cross.
• ‘Those people’ are all potential children of God.
• ‘Those people’ are dependent on YOU to authentically and genuinely show them the true character of Jesus Christ.
• ‘Those people’ are why I, Craig Story, and more than a dozen families left the secure confines of a wonderful, established church home to launch Church at the Grove.
• ‘Those people’ are why we will resist the distractions of becoming a “comfortable” church that exists for those inside the church rather than those outside the church.
• I used to be one of “those people” and if it wasn’t for a brother inviting me to his church and a host of ‘church people’ who opened their arms to this “those people”, I would not be a Christ-follower, much less a church-planting pastor. 
• God loves “those people”.
• We all were one of “those people”. 

Now, to the person who made that statement:  If you are not willing to get off your lazy, affluent-American Christian, “I need another Bible study”, “I don’t give a rip about people dying and going to hell” BEHIND, then politely take the fish off your car and turn in your tithing envelopes! 

Jesus came to seek and save that which was lost.  Check out Luke 19:10.  What was lost was a connection with HIS prized creation on earth: HUMANITY! 

Charles Spurgeon said that if all of the elect had a stripe painted down their back, he would spend his life running up and down the streets pulling up shirt-tails and sharing the gospel. (paraphrased)

If we can’t get that simple truth and apply it to ALL that we do as the CHURCH, we simply need to close up shop and go home.

Whew!  Man I feel better!  Have a nice day!  Oh, and go walk across your office, street, or neighborhood and have a conversation with one of “those people”.