These words have been coming to me all morning. The question
raises its head over and over again: How far am I willing to love people into
the Kingdom? Am I willing to lay aside the
long-standing mistaken beliefs that I was brought up with? Am I able to overcome my own prejudices of
who can or who cannot come to our church?
Can I lay aside my judgemental thoughts about who is acceptable to
God?
First impressions so easily cloud our minds. The style of clothing, the hair, the make-up,
the piercings, the tattoos… but in God’s eyes He doesn’t even see these things.
He sees the heart that is lost - maybe even not seeking after Him, but a soul
nevertheless. If we are to be God’s eyes
and ears, surely our borders will have to broaden somewhat.
We judge by what we see, but how much worse are the things
we don’t see! Yet they go unnoticed by
the human eye. One of our main values in Kairos is to be “fara
masca” – without a mask – and to be as blatantly honest as possible. Things that run “under cover” cause so much
pain in the long term. They cannot be
dealt with and so they fester under the surface, causing so much more damage. I believe the devil tries to use our “secret”
sins as blackmail, which is such a devastating experience for everyone
concerned.
As Christians we are called to be like Jesus. Jesus never lied. He did not walk in deceit, nor
pride. We are all sinners in various degrees. Hidden sins are binding on so
many levels. As long as nobody knows, we
are held in bondage by the very “sin” we are called to leave behind. The devil then has free access to use it
against us as blackmail, which totally holds us in captivity. I’m glad it says
in the Bible in Matthew 5:25 “Agree with your adversary quickly.” Secret sin leaves us feeling dirty and empty,
and causes a vicious circle which in turn ensnares us even further!
It seems such a simple thing, but actually Christians are
held in so much bondage with secret sin. When it comes down to brass tacks, we’ve
all done the same thing, though maybe in a different way. Perhaps we thought about doing it, or we did
it, but both of these are sinful, so we need to be released. The good news is
that full forgiveness and release is available through the blood of Jesus – and
it’s offered freely to all!
Who are we willing to accept in Kairos? Anyone who comes through the door, be it
sinner or saint - of any persuasion, of any religion, of any colour, of any
minority, of any inclination. Then what do we plan to do? As Jesus would do, we plan to love them. Will it be easy? Was it always easy for
Jesus? He dealt with some odd characters,
but love them He did, and we will too. By
His grace and strength, everyone will be welcome.
Wendy Tomin
Co-Pastor, Kairos Christian Centre
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