Unlock The Gates

We have become a very security conscious society. We have installed home security systems and purchased weapons for protection. Entrance to your neighborhood school probably requires you to ring a buzzer and have the door lock released by the office. Many groups of homes are gated communities where admittance to the grounds is restricted by locked and sometimes guarded gates. Only those who have the pass code or authorization may be admitted.

While the need for such security is apparent in these days, we must remember that our personal lives cannot be gated against those around us. Jesus has sent us to be in the world even though we are not of the world. Are people able to get to you? Is your life open for inspection? Or have you secluded yourself from all but a select few? Do you get close to only those who have the right words or right appearance?

Paul stressed that the gospel is for all. He was concerned about reaching the "civilized and the uncivilized, the wise and the unwise." Access to salvation is not restricted to the acceptable, but "whosoever will call upon the name of Jesus." While we may need to practice reasonable wisdom, we do need to unlock the gates of our lives so that we may interact with all who need our witness. Only when we are available can we send grace into the lives of others.