(1 Cor)‬ ‭10‬:‭32‬-‭33‬ ‭CJB “Do not be an obstacle to anyone — not to Jews, not to Gentiles, and not to God’s Messianic Community. Just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not looking out for my own interests but for those of the many, so that they may be saved;”

I want to be attracting people to Jesus, but sometimes I wonder whether my attitude and behavior are driving them away instead.

Paul made it his ambition to remove unnecessary obstacles that might keep someone from hearing and believing the gospel.

His character and conduct were part of his invitation to know Christ.

And men, I need much more of that in my life.

I’m too often self-seeking.

Too easily bothered by people.

Too quick to take offense.

Too willing to let someone suffer the consequences of their own foolish decisions.

And sometimes, I’m simply not as kind, patient, or hospitable as I should be.

That’s difficult to admit.

But how can I expect people to be attracted to the Savior I proclaim when my behavior doesn’t reflect His character?

Attracting People to Jesus Begins With Loving Them

Paul wasn’t trying to win a popularity contest.

He wasn’t compromising God’s truth to make people comfortable.

He was willing to surrender his own preferences and privileges for the spiritual benefit of others.

Why?

“So that they may be saved.”

That was his motivation.

Paul understood that his personal freedom was less important than another person’s eternal destiny.

What a challenge!

How often do I place my comfort, convenience, preferences, or pride ahead of someone else’s spiritual needs?

The obstacle isn’t always an obvious sin.

Sometimes it’s my tone of voice.

My impatience.

My unwillingness to listen.

My judgmental attitude.

Or my failure to demonstrate genuine interest in another person.

I may be speaking the truth while behaving in a way that makes people unwilling to hear it.

That’s not the example Jesus gave us.

The Fruit of the Spirit Should Make Us Attractive

Think about a beautiful piece of fruit.

Its color, fragrance, and appearance invite you to take it and eat.

That’s how I want my life to reflect Jesus.

Not because I’m impressive.

But because His character is evident in me.

Galatians 5:22–23 identifies the fruit of the Spirit: Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control.

Would the people who know me best use those words to describe me?

That’s a sobering question.

I pray for the Holy Spirit to produce these qualities in my life.

Yet I often become discouraged because I don’t see the changes I desire.

But spiritual growth isn’t simply waiting for God to change my personality.

God calls me to walk by the Spirit, put selfishness to death, and deliberately practice the character He is producing.

I cannot manufacture spiritual fruit, but I am responsible to cultivate obedience to the Spirit.

And that begins with repentance.

Faithfulness Comes Before Fruitfulness

I want to see people come to Christ.

I want my life to be fruitful.

But I cannot save anyone.

Only God can do that.

What I can do is faithfully love people, remove unnecessary obstacles, proclaim the gospel, and trust God for the results.

My responsibility is faithfulness. Fruitfulness, results, belong to God.

That doesn’t excuse my failures.

It motivates me to become more like Jesus.

Because the more His character is evident in my life, the less likely my behavior will distract people from His message.

Run Today’s Play

Men, ask yourself:

Am I making it easier or harder for people to consider Jesus?

Think about someone who regularly tests your patience.

How could you demonstrate the character of Christ toward that person today?

Listen instead of interrupting.

Show kindness instead of irritation.

Offer grace instead of judgment.

Choose their interests over your convenience.

And pray that the Holy Spirit will make His fruit increasingly evident in your life.

Don’t merely tell people about Jesus. Give them a reason to want to know the Jesus you proclaim.

Not everyone will respond to the gospel.

But let’s make sure our selfishness isn’t the obstacle.

Be faithful in reflecting Christ. Trust God to make you fruitful.