SCRIPTURE: Jude 1
“Be merciful to those who doubt; save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.” (Jude 1:22-23)
We are in the world, but we should not be of the world, or like the world.
We are not called to hide but to join Jesus in loving and serving God’s lost children.
But be careful, for the spirit may be willing but the flesh is weak.
Paul stresses our redemptive purpose but also the risks: show mercy mixed with fear.
I think of those who go to ‘Porn Expos’ to hand out bibles (Jesus Loves Pornstars) and witness.
They spent months preparing, had prayer teams backing and supporting them, and worked in groups.
This makes sense at a Porn Expo, but are we in less danger at work, watching TV, on the internet?
You might say we are even at greater risk, since our guard is down, we are not surrounded by prayer.
Jude is warning his friends to be VERY VERY CAREFUL as they follow Jesus in the world.
He shows them how some among them have become worldly, compromised, careless regarding sin.
If this spirit has infiltrated the church, we should not even enter the church without prayer teams.
I guess the point is we always need to be on guard, to be prepared, to back ourselves with prayer.
Paul warns us, “If you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
Think of going into your day today as Sin Expo, loving sinners like yourself, but hating sin!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, too often I go into my day unprayed and unprepared. My guard is down, and the Enemy loves this, as it is easier to sneak up on me. Remind me of the dangers as I work with You in sharing God’s mercy in the world.