There is risk in sowing where we may not reap. Nowhere is that type of investment more uncertain than in relationships. There’s risk in reaching out to the materially successful, who often throw Christianity away like a used piece of furniture, or in reaching out to ardent followers of other faiths, who may be offended by the very attempt. There’s risk in reaching out to the world’s losers, who promise no payoff.
What often gets in the way of reaching out to the “unpromising” is pride. We want Christianity to take root and succeed. And we want to look good in the process. Why bother with those who probably will fail?
Consider Jesus’ example. His prime targets were not the richest, best educated, most sophisticated when he chose His team. His strategy was just the opposite. He selected the equivalent of a foreign born accomplice to an Arab terrorist group when He called Matthew (Matthew 9). Though His disciples urged otherwise, Jesus accepted people like the Canaanite woman (Matthew 15). He also spent time with the rich & famous set who had already priced themselves out of His fellowship. He answered their questions and offered hope, even when He knew they would turn away (Matthew 19).
Jesus drew all of them in, without checking for size, color, or blemish—or considering if they would make a good trophy for His wall. Are we willing to take that kind of risk?