Your Neighbor is a Person, Not a Prospect
Look After Them – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Luke 14:7-14

Key Verse: Luke 10:35

The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

Continuing our thoughts from yesterday’s devotional, we should ask: How do we know if we treat people as prospects?  In my opinion, this perspective will show up when you realize the person is rejecting Jesus.  If you walk away from them because they reject the hope you’ve found in Jesus, then they were probably more “prospects” than friends.  (There are times it is best to walk away from old friends because of their influence to bad behavior.  This would be a different situation than I’m referring to.)

As we get acquainted with a person, as a Christ follower it is natural to want them to be saved from their sins.  But that is the Holy Spirit’s job—God does the saving.  Our goal is to simply model the lifestyle and attitudes of Jesus.  We are to truly befriend them.  When the time is right, we will share with them our testimony.  A testimony is not a sermon!  We don’t preach to people; we simply share with them our journey.  Most people won’t be offended with us sharing what Jesus means to us as long as we don’t “share it” in a way that tries to condemn their beliefs.

When we try to do the Holy Spirit’s job, we tend to push too hard.  When we push people, we will, undoubtedly, make them feel like they were only a prospect to us!  It will feel like we are trying to “close the deal.”

Father, grant me wisdom to share my life with others without being pushy!  Use me as a tool in your hand.  In Jesus’ name, amen.