Passport

From the 9/19/16 Weekly Update by Tim Keller

If your goal is to cross over the border from the United States to another nation of the world you won’t be successful unless you have one very important item.

No, it’s not Imodium. Although that might not be the worst thing to have in your possession.

I was actually talking about a passport. A passport is the key document because without it you can’t go where you really want to go.

Want to travel to London, Israel, China, or even India? You’ll need a passport.

To get a passport you’ll need a few important attributes. First, you’ll need patience. It takes time to get a passport. If you wait until two weeks before your trip to start thinking about it you’ll not be arriving at your destination in a timely manner. Second, you’ll need to be willing to sacrifice. A passport isn’t cheap and getting one will require you to lay down some significant money, plus the cost of having a horrible picture of yourself taken. Third, a passport requires you to live a pretty wholesome life. If you have a long prison record you’ll have a much harder time gaining access to a passport.

For the Christian who wants to connect with an unbeliever and share the message of the Gospel a passport is also required. No, it isn’t the same type of document you need to travel to Africa, but it is just as important. The passport to sharing the Gospel is relationship.

In our American culture the capacity to talk to someone about Christ hinges on whether or not we have established a relationship with them. Relationship gives us our passport which allows entry into conversations about spiritual things. Attempting to speak with someone without relationship will result in the same success potential that waltzing into a foreign country without a real passport would have. In other words – no chance.

What do we need to do to gain passport relationally?

First, we need to be patient. I recently gained passport with a friend I had been developing a relationship with for four years. It seemed like an eternity, but it was worth it. Take your time and be patient. Don’t give up or become frustrated.

Second, you’ll need to sacrifice. Gaining passport might mean many hours of sitting and listening. It may mean spending money to do activities together or springing for a meal now and then.

Third, gaining passport comes with living a life pleasing to God that entices a nonbeliever to allow you to come into their life. As you strive to be faithful, obedient and consistent in your walk with God you’ll lay down the foundation of righteousness that will go far in developing relationship.

Do you have passport to talk to your non-believing friends? You can apply today.