For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Titus 3: 3-7

How easily we forget! How often do we, as believers, isolate ourselves from the people in the world around us? I remember a discussion by another person in a small group years ago saying that they didn’t want to cross cultural lines or get involved with people who were not Christians. The very thought of engaging with someone who does not believe in Christ caused this person to nearly have a panic attack.

What’s the alternative? We stay in our comfort zone. We listen to Christian songs, gather in Bible study groups, and make sure we do everything possible to avoid “the lost.”

When we travel in Christian circles we may forget that we also were “once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures…” and it is by the grace of God that we have been saved.

Maybe we should remember the words of Christ who was criticized for hanging out with the wrong crowd – “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10)