March 23

The Character of Our Witness
Luke 5:29-39

There once was a congregation most determined to "preserve the character of our witness."  To this end, all who wanted to be members of this congregation were carefully examined by the elders, to ensure that no deviation - in character or doctrine - was to be admitted.  None but the finest of souls were allowed in.  I flunked.
Levi, also known as Matthew, was a tax collector.  He would probably have flunked also.  Tax collectors in those days were the scum of the Roman Empire.  They were Jews who cheated other Jews (in excess taxes) on behalf of Rome.  Strangely enough, Jesus called him, and he followed.  His first act on behalf of his new Master was to throw a party.  It is referred to as a "great banquet" - evidently Levi knew all the other sinners and tax collectors of the area.  The Pharisees complained of this.  Though their complaint was addressed to the disciples, it was answered by Jesus.
His reply defines the church in a way.  It is composed of sinners.  As such, it is a disreputable organization.  Think of it this way:  the only qualification known for becoming a Christian is that you must be a sinner first.  Each and every Christian proclaims this.  Then some of us complain about the quality of the people who seem to be joining.
May I suggest something to you, by Jesus' example?  If the church congregation you love has nothing but lovely, happy people, possessed of good character and strong morals, there is something tragically wrong.  You are in a health club for saints.  The church is a hospital for sinners. 
Is the unwed mother welcome in your Women's Fellowship?  Is the drunkard or drug addict, struggling desperately to be free, welcome in your Bible Study?  If not, consider the example of Levi.  Perhaps your standards for entrance are too low;  you should consider setting a stricter standard of sin for entrance.
We must not, in any sense, condone sin.  Nor can we condemn the sinner who has appealed to Jesus for salvation.  We too have made the same appeal.  Rather, we must be the open arms of the body of Christ, open to the sinner.  Really, are we all so lovable and they so ugly that we cannot see in them one for whom Christ died?