An exhibit at the New York Public Library was titled "Utopia: The Search For The Ideal Society In The Western World." Time magazine called it "a show about failure," noting that Utopia, which has never existed, "is one of the enduring phantoms of the human mind."

Sometimes the church tries to be a utopian society by welcoming agreeable saints and barely tolerating offensive sinners. Concern for our own well-being overshadows compassion for people without Christ, and we become the exact opposite of what Jesus wants us to be.

The Gospels tell us that Jesus associated with dishonest businessmen, prostitutes, and people from despised minority groups. He came as a servant to seek and to save the lost, and to do His Father's will in dying for the sins of the world.

Immediately after Jesus' resurrection, His disciples were assembled behind locked doors (John 20:19). But Jesus appeared in their midst and gave them this charge: "As the Father has sent Me, I also send you" (v.21).

The disciples got the message, unlocked the doors, and went out boldly with the love and salvation of Christ. We are called to do the same.   — David C. McCasland