In 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul writes: “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing…” In two simple phrases, he arranges all of living humanity into only two camps. There are “those who are being saved,” and “those who are perishing.” I would submit to you that this is a much better way to distinguish in our minds between people than to think of them as Christians and non-Christians.

Our usual distinctions as to Christians and non-Christians may, in fact, be wrong. Paul’s definition is superior in that it implies a process while ours implies a fixed state. Christian and non-Christian terms also allow us to think we know something when we don’t. These terms simply do not allow for the spiritual journey that we all are on. A person whom I might call a non-Christian today might very well be one who is being saved. In the same manner, I am sure there are people whom we would call Christians today who are, in fact, those who are perishing. In any case, we don’t know for sure, who is what, and I, for one, think that’s a good thing.

By thinking of people as being saved or as perishing, it relieves us of the pressure to have to pigeonhole everybody. Every single person you meet is either being saved or perishing, and you may not know which it is. This is the kind of truth that allows us to treat everyone the same. All have equal importance since the book is not closed on anyone.

And here’s something I’d like to offer you in light of this, if you find it helpful. I have decided that I will treat everybody as if they are being saved, regardless of what I see or what they say. Why not? If I’m right, then I will have helped them along the way. If I am wrong, then I will have created the best possible environment for them to believe.

We’re basically saying here: Talk to the Spirit of God in a person whether you know it’s there or not. You never know. That still small voice may be making its way into someone’s consciousness as you speak, and your simple words of truth will strike a chord within. We are not alone in this process of bearing witness to the truth. It’s not up to us to present the convincing argument or the compelling invitation. It’s up to us to point people to Christ.

Jesus said, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32).

That’s good to know when you’re trying to save the world.