Knowing People Is Different Than Going To Movies

Mark Lauterbach:

...knowing people is different than going to movies. I think the whole discussion of being culturally aware dodges the real work of knowing lost people deeply. I am called to love and serve them for Christ. I am called to help them when they have marital problems, children problems, and are living with effects of their sin. I am called to relate to them in what we have in common. And we have a lot in common. They are made in Godʼs image. They know love and hate, sadness and joy, and the beauty of music and creation. I do not need to focus on the unique culture of our times, so much as on the real people around me.

This means I am to know individuals. I have never met statistical averages. I only know my friends, neighbors, co-workers, classmates. I need to get to know their questions, histories, backgrounds, objections to the Gospel. I am to treat them with deepest respect.

I have often puzzled over why sinners flocked to Jesus. He was sinless. They were sinners. They were despised by many – but they wanted to be with him. I think one answer is that, clear as he was about salvation and sin, he treated them with such dignity and respect that they were drawn to him.

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