Hanging out with scum

So, I'm reading my Bible this morning in Luke 5:27-32 where Jesus goes to a party held in his honor. Evidently the guys throwing the party weren't all that reputable. In fact, this is what the church "leaders" said, "Why do you eat and drink with such scum?" Jesus, then explained to them that he is simply spending time with "sick people who need a doctor", and doesn't really care to waste time with "people who think they are already good enough."

I thought about this for a while. What type of person does the church call "scum" these days? The poor, the homeless, the addicts? How about those with alternative lifestyles? How about those who party a little more than we are comfortable with?

Have we created a bubble around ourselves so we only have to spend time with people who are just like us?

The cool thing about Jesus, is that he doesn't see people like we do. He doesn't see the consistent churchgoer any different than the "scum" of the earth. They both need Jesus to die for them.

So, I think we should try to look past the exterior and simply love others the same way Jesus loves us. The way I see it, that means hanging out with "scum" on occasion. Most likely we'll learn more about love, life, and true community than we would hanging out with those who are already good enough anyway..

Just a thought...and something I am working on too. : )