Navigating Dual Roles

By Dean Collins

There is both a pull and a danger to being an insider, and there is clarity and opportunity in being an outsider. The reality is that you and I are members of both groups.

Even as we grow up and grow older, the desire to be picked or included is appealing. You remember those moments when you were a child and stood in a line while teams were picked? There was a side you wanted to be on, and then eventually, you simply wanted to be on someone’s team and not left standing to feel the embarrassment of being the last one chosen. Just like when we were younger, we are often waiting and hoping to be chosen and included on the team, in the organization, as someone who is trusted, and who gets treated as an insider. We have a need and a desire to belong.

The apostle Paul frequently reminds us of ways we are both insiders and outsiders and how to behave in each group. In Colossians 1:13-14, we are reminded that we all at one time were in living in the domain of darkness, but because of Jesus, we have been transferred to and are now members of God’s kingdom. We were lost, but now are found. We were walking in darkness and headed nowhere but to death. But because of Jesus, we are insiders in the kingdom and a part of the family of God.

If you notice, all of Paul’s epistles speak to the unity we are to have in Christ. Paul frequently corrected the early church for their infighting and grumbling. Kingdom citizens are to be of one mind and purpose: to glorify God and share his good news. The enemy of God is always stirring up the temptations that cause us to act more like outsiders than members of the family of God.

In Colossians 4, Paul gives us a path to acting properly within the kingdom, as well as advice on how to act toward those who are outside of Christ and still walking in darkness.

First, we are to “continue steadfastly in prayer.” Praying sometimes or occasionally just will not do the job. To be effective in prayer, we must continue in prayer. There is a place for the desperate cry for help, but there is life and strength when we choose to stay in frequent communication with our Father in heaven.

Second, Paul reminds us that when we pray, we are to be watching for what God is doing and thankful for all he has done. Then we are to pray for others, and not just for ourselves.

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us…” and as Paul encourages us to pray for others, he reminds us that we are praying for “open doors” to share the good news of Jesus everywhere. Paul was teaching us not just by his words, but through his actions, even seeking to help others and us from a prison in Rome!

What about the outsiders? Well, God loves them, and we are to “walk in wisdom toward outsiders.” Yes, we are to spend time with fellow believers in fellowship, worship, prayer, and caring, but as we are strengthened, we are also called to stay focused on sharing the gospel with those who are still living in darkness. Paul tells us to do that as we walk in wisdom. We will never figure out how to navigate the relationships with those outside of Christ unless we are constantly seeking the wisdom of God. Otherwise, it will be easy to either fall to temptation or to simply become arrogant and unloving toward those in the world.

Only in when we spend time in prayer and seeking God’s wisdom will we find ways to be healthy insiders of God’s kingdom – while being humble servants who can navigate the world and effectively share the gospel with the outsiders whom God loves deeply and with whom he calls us to be salt and light.

Father, thank you for calling us out of the kingdom of darkness and into the kingdom of light. Thank you for the brothers and sisters in Christ we journey with now, constantly advancing your kingdom. Open our hearts to see those outside of Christ and fill us with wisdom that we might effectively share the good news with them. In Jesus's name, amen.

Your Time With God’s Word
Colossians 1:13-14; Colossians 4:2-6 ESV

Photo by adrianna geo on Unsplash
To receive daily posts delivered directly to your inbox, complete the form at the bottom of our home page.