We live in a day and age where everything can and will most probably be scrutinized. Whether it's at church, in the office or on social media, there will always be something about us that could be easily judged by others. Many times fashion is on the top of that list.
In our church communities, there will always be a group of people who will make a fuss about the tiniest things. The pastor's diction, the worship leader's grocery list, and the newcomer's choice of clothing.
When a first-timer visits the church in a short dress or smelling like cigarettes and alcohol, what is usually our first response? Yes, inappropriate attire are matters that could eventually be addressed, but they are not pressing matters that need to be addressed at first glance.
There are more pressing issues such as meeting the needs of the lost, leading them to Christ and fixing their hearts. Luke 19 tells us the story of a man named Zacchaeus, and we can learn a thing or two from Jesus's reaction to Zacchaeus about how to deal with newcomers who don't necessarily fit in the social norm of the church.
1. Jesus didn't focus on Zacchaeus's height
Zacchaeus was most probably born with "short genes." Basically, he was short not because he wanted to be, but because that's how things turned out for him. When facing the lost, we often encounter people who are the way they are because of their circumstances, and not because of the choices they made.
When we face people we should stop looking at their family background, past traumas or physical deformities because Jesus did not look at those either.
2. Jesus didn't focus on Zacchaeus's business practices
Zacchaeus was known to be a shrewd man who made money by shady means. This was something he had complete control over and was most likely a result of his own life choices. However, Jesus still refused to focus on that.
3. Jesus took notice of Zacchaeus's proximity
The one thing that Jesus took note of right away was that Zacchaeus was on a tree wanting to see Him. As Christians, is this the first thing we notice when we see lost people in mini-skirts, cigarette perfume, ear piercings or tattoos? When the lost come to the house of God, it's because they are looking for Jesus, and as believers it must be our duty and joy to gladly point them to Christ.
Sure there are things that need to be worked out in their lives. Some of those things may be a big deal, most are probably not, but it's not our job to deal with those things. It's God's job. Our only job is to point people to Jesus.
