You need to be out there. Where? Wherever God leads you. Sometimes, people will accuse you of the company you keep. Stay focused on your journey as a child of God. Of course, we know we should not keep bad company, but sometimes we may need to work with them or be with them for short periods. It could be at school, college or at work. 

When we are clear about our identity, we stay purposed to fulfil the ministries given to us by grace. 

Jesus was out there. He was accused of sitting and eating with sinners. How did he respond? What can we learn from it? (Matthew 9:9-13)

Jesus came to Mathew’s house, and a few Gentiles walked in to hear Him. The Jews who hated Jesus sought the opportunity to spoil His name. But Jesus responded with grace.

1. The sick need a physician, not the whole

2. I will have mercy, not sacrifice

3. I've called sinners to repentance, not the righteous

THE SICK NEED A PHYSICIAN

Jesus was not a literal physician, and neither was he suggesting sick people need to go to physicians. He was speaking metaphorically. It is common knowledge that the sick got to physicians. He was referring to how the people he was with needed to be healed mentally, emotionally and physically by the word of God - how His ministry is instrumental in freeing them from spiritual and physical bondage. An unsaved, willing listener is worth God’s time than those who think they know it all (Jews or religious). 

MERCY, NOT SACRIFICE

Jesus desires we show mercy to the unsaved around us rather than judge them. Not bind them with rules and regulations which bear no fruit. Jesus wants us to be kind and truthful about what lies ahead for those in darkness. No amount of sacrifices can change a person, but mercy by forgiveness and forbearing one another in love. 

SINNERS, NOT THE RIGHTEOUS

A repentant sinner is far more precious to God than self-righteous people who think they are sinless. Jesus cares for all, and He displayed it in His walk. He is our example. Beware of self-righteous old believers who think they know and have seen it all. A common trait they have is still condemning some people even though they erred years ago. Another is pointing at others by finding faults.

Dear believer, you have a high, heavenly and holy calling. Stay above, and stick to what God has called you into. Be led by the Holy Spirit. There are far too many distractions today. 

Maranatha, Praise God, and Amen.