Now this I say and testify in the Lord, that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart. 19 They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practice every kind of impurity.
Our missionary heritage is a testimony of the Great Commission, given by Jesus himself. People have criticized mission work as imperialism and condescending to indigenous people as ignorant savages. These verses would seem to support that but this view is false and these verses prove it. Paul was writing about ignorant, hardhearted “Gentiles”…to Gentiles! The keyword here is “no longer”, showing that these Gentile Christians themselves once lived in ignorance and sensuality but have now been changed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul had said the same to Corinth. Such were some of you.
This could have an impact on how we view those in the world who live in ignorance and sensuality. Such were some of you. They are not subhuman savages as we are accused of viewing them. They are in need of a Savior just as I am. But God, in his infinite goodness, mercy, and love, chose me for salvation. We do not know what his plan is for each of the people who are walking “as the Gentiles do”. But we do know our role, to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth.
Dear Lord, thank you for the honor of participating in your plan for your kingdom. May we see people as sinners in need of grace as we once were. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church