As you read the title of this E-loop, I hope it got you thinking a little bit about what I might mean by that. To help you ponder this thought, I am going to ask you some questions. Was Jesus God in the flesh and 100 percent holy? Answer: Yes! Was Jesus completely righteous, just and without sin? Answer: Yes! Did Jesus condone sinful actions of those around him? Answer: No! Was Jesus a compromiser? Answer No! So I am sure most of you got the answers right, so here is my next question based on those above: Why would so many sinners be “attracted” to Him?

There are two things that come to mind for me: love and authenticity.

When we think of the word attractive, we think of something that looks good on the outside…but, that isn’t the measure of our walk with Christ and that isn’t the meaning of attractive that I am using. The definition of attractive I am using is: having the quality of attracting, like a magnet. Many people can come to church in their Sunday best and look like a million bucks, but inwardly be a mess. That is much like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. They looked good on the outside, they were “attractive” looking, but on the inside they were empty. Jesus was very different than the religious establishment. People were drawn to him like a magnet…tax collectors, prostitutes, outcasts. Can you have an attractive faith like that and draw others to Christ, YES!

In Luke 15:1-10, Jesus surrounded by sinners and tax collectors gives the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin. In this passage, Jesus gives three characteristics that will result in an attractive (drawing) faith. The first is Compassion. The very fact that much of the world is lost and are like sheep without a shepherd, should result in Christians showing genuine compassion and love for the sinners’ plight. Sinners weren’t drawn to Jesus because he told them what they wanted to hear. Jesus confronted sin, told them of their need salvation and told them to sin no more, but it was done in LOVE! The shepherd went looking for the lost sheep because he loved the sheep. Does your faith demonstrate a love for sinners?

This passage also shows us that our faith takes Effort. The shepherd traversed harsh conditions to find the sheep, and the lady diligently swept her house looking for the lost coin. A genuine attractive faith works. In both cases the thing that was lost had to be sought after with great effort. Jesus said that he did not come to be served but serve and give his life a ransom for many.

Lastly, our faith should have the quality of Persistence. While I am sure the shepherd had thoughts of giving up, he kept searching for the lost sheep. The Bible tells us in Romans 13:11 that now is the time. It is high time to awake out of our sleep because our salvation is nearer than when we believed.

So this is our mission for today, we live for Christ! We show compassion, we give our best effort, and we have persistence to reach the lost. Those qualities will result in a faith that attracts others to Jesus Christ.