In today’s pluralistic societies, the likelihood of interacting with someone whose belief system is very different from our own is increasingly likely. Therefore, followers of Christ should have guiding principles about how we interact with others, whether or not they share our beliefs. We must also have convictions about how to respond to their beliefs. In both the East and the West, the prevailing attitude of religious pluralism presents a challenge to those who would maintain traditional Christian beliefs.
The difficulties of interaction with those of other faiths are significant for Christians who are a minority in their nations. But those who live in places where Christianity is the religion of the majority are not exempt from these concerns. Our belief in the truth of the gospel does not mean that we should deny people of other faiths basic respect or the freedom to worship or share their faith.
The need for followers of Christ to live as servants is as great now as it was when Christ told His followers that He expected just that (cf. Matthew 20:25-28). If people see us as servants, not just of those who share our beliefs but of everyone, they may be challenged to think carefully about the gospel.
The Bible is clear that those who proclaim the lordship of Jesus are servants of the people to whom they proclaim this message. Paul told the Corinthians, “What we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). He also said, “Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible” (1 Corinthians. 9:19). Our model is Jesus, who “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” (Philippians 2:7).
Spend this week reading what Scripture has to say about inviting people into the family of God. Then, go out and live it!
