Thoughts on Reaching the Homeless (Mark and Peter)

It's often so hard for us to acknowledge, especially years after our conversion, just how depraved each of us are. We knew it when we hit rock bottom, when our soul was in complete turmoil. We new we needed a Savior. But you know, that depravity exists... I was made pure in the sight of God since He sees me through the holes in Jesus' hands. But my nature is still bent toward depravity. I think if we a honest with ourselves in the quietness, the times when no one else is in the house, the TV is off and the computer shut down... we know when we're quiet are nature doesn't always naturally bound toward greatest... There is no one good not one. We are all fallen and flawed creatures, at odds with our Creator and each other. We are no better than Mark and Peter. Ephesians 2:3. Romans 3:10-12

We're all born separated from God... Eph 2:12, We're all bound to a life of futility... Ecclesiastes 1:14 (all that we do is just a chasing after the wind), We are all enslaved to a corrupt nature... Job 5:7 And lets face it, we are all bent to do evil... Galatians 5:19-21

Not only individually... but whole communities... Hosea 4:1-4 9:9, and Romans 1:28-32

Depravity means we are all dysfunctional by nature. It means that most of my real problems are "in ME", on "out there" (Genesis 3:9-13). Depravity cannot be eradicated by education, a better environment, self esteem, new rules, or money. Depravity can wear all kinds of sophisticated masks to hide itself... Personality Mask, Education Mask, Rule Keeper Mask, or even the Religious Mask... Matthew 23:25, 27 Seriously, would Mark's and Peter's stand out to us if they were sophisticated enough behind one of those masks?

Admitting and somewhat truly owning our depravity is the first step to finding a real relationship with God... Matthew 5:3. And progress in authentic maturity will only parallel our growing understanding of the depth and extent of our depravity.

So, I'm no longer a drug dealer and coke head, slut... but my depravity is still as great. How? My depravity means I have a natural tendency to rule harshly and judge (Genesis 3:16, Ephesians 6:4) Why is it the church is better at criticizing those with issues rather than celebrating recovery and reconciliation? My depravity also shows up in getting lost in my career or personal pursuits and ignore Gods purpose in my life Ecclesiastes 2:4-11

Well, I'm struggling with a thought... why do I single out Mark's and Peter's in my life. Why is conversation with them so difficult? Truly, if I believe the above... they are no different from me... in fact I'm probably more like them, then I am of my own perception of me.

I think the only time Jesus categorized people is when he was ticked at the Religious folks... the rest of the time he just found common ground with people and loved on them. People changed because of that love. Jesus knew he was to be the sacrificial lamb. He knew He was to bear all our depravity on the cross. In fact, although without sin, He was depravity personified when He died. But when He rose... well that's when the story gets good.

Don't try to save the Mark's and Peter's... just find common ground and love the Mark's and Peter's. Soon they'll realize Jesus offers us much more than "spare change".