Don't strain the gnat

One of the mistakes Christians commonly make when trying to be a witness to non-Christians has deep theological roots.

Galatians 2:16 says: "...we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

As Christians, we know this is true...at least we think we do.

I wonder how many of us blow our opportunities to be strong witnesses because we show people law by our words and attitude instead of showing Christ.

Here is what I mean.

If you have a co-worker or family member who smells like Budweiser, curses like a golfer in a sand trap, and laughs about the things that God hates, you have a perfect specimen to test yourself with.

Do you spend your time trying to get them to stop cussing? Or do you love and accept them and treat them like Jesus?

Do you display an attitude of contempt toward their ungodliness? Or do you love and accept them and treat them like Jesus?

Are you more concerned with their drinking, cussing, and mocking God than you are their souls?

The problem that we have with non-Christians is really a theological problem. We think we can save people by getting them to "act right" when they really need transformation. Law never saved anyone. Grace, however, does save.

As you relate to the people in your life this week who don't show fruits of being in Christ, consider the Jesus approach. It is not "good behavior" that they need. They need a new heart.

Remember, it is grace that is able to create a new heart...not law.

Let's make sure we get our theology straight. Otherwise, we are not offering Good News. We are just offering news.