Everywhere I turn I’m told to be against someone. They say this or that group is dangerous or disgusting. I feel forced into a perverse competition to find the most accurate and most constricted group. It reminds me of a story from the Gospel of Luke: 

“An argument started among them about who was the greatest.”

But Jesus called a little child to stand next to him and said, “Whoever welcomes others like I welcome this little child is a true follower of mine, because ‘the greatest’ are those who are least concerned about being the best.”

John (who didn’t get it) responded conscientiously, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him because he does not follow us.” It’s as if John said, “But Jesus, you don’t get it! We have been protecting you from the bad guys. Those others aren't part of us. We are the greatest and most correct!” 

Jesus replied, “Don’t stop him, because whoever is not against me is for me."

Jesus welcomes others into his fold by default. They are all his sheep. Of course, he hates sin and the lies that keep people from knowing the deep love of God. But there is no accuracy test with Jesus. His acceptance is not constricted. He came to fulfill the law for us out of love for the whole world. This is the true character of God! 

Look! Jesus stands at every crossroad and cries out, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest!” (Matthew 11:28 CSB).

Did you know?

At Signpost Inn we believe in Christlike welcome. Welcome for anyone who needs to pause at life’s crossroads and connect with the triune God.

We want to be known by what we are for, not for what we are against. We are for Jesus, we are for welcome, we are for you. 

This same spirit is behind Giving Tuesday. On November 30, 2021 people from all over the globe will act together to thank, give, show kindness, and share what they have with others.

Please join us in being there for people who need to connect with God by donating at www.signpostinn.org/givingtuesday. Your donations will help us meet our end of year budget needs and ensure we can continue to love others well into the future. 

(All Luke passages are quoted and paraphrased from the CSB translation.)