CHRISTIAN SENSITIVITY

     Deference is an area in which evangelical or
fundamental Christians are often weak.  We glory in our
"freedom in Christ", and forget sometimes that what we may
indulge in with moderation will be excused in excess by
those who observe us, including our children.

     While refusing to compromise on matters central to the
gospel (see Galatians 2:5), the apostle Paul voluntarily
limited his freedoms in other areas in order to reach as
many people as possible with the gospel.

     He wrote, "Though I am free, and belong to no man, I
make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as
possible." (I Corinthians 9:19 NIV)

     In the context of what he wrote to the church at
Corinth, Paul said that he was willing to adapt to a wide
variety of circumstances and conditions in order to
minimize objections to his person or his message.
     We Christians are sometimes guilty of a lack of
sensitivity to other Christian groups or the culture or
customs or preferences of people we are trying to reach
with the gospel.
     Some of the most common areas of sensitivity are modes
of relating to the opposite sex, the handling of money and
food, appropriate subjects for humor, and ways of
discussing differences between racial and cultural groups.

     Let's learn how to put our Christianity into practice
by simply being considerate and kind to the people around
us.
     Our message is much more than "Be Nice," but if we
"come over" as being insensitive and obnoxious, nobody will
listen to us when we speak of God's love in the Lord Jesus
Christ.
     Our message is important enough to put on a tie, and
if necessary, endure a shave and a haircut.
     We would like to "win" you over, too.  Our message is
based on the Bible, and we invite you to start reading in
the New Testament.
     
                                    [Clyde Price,  Arrows4]