Galatians 6:10

‘So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good towards all men, and especially towards those who are of the household of faith.'

‘Opportunity' is kairos, which also means time. Thus it means ‘while it is the opportune time'. For a time will come when no man can work (John 9:4). So we must seek to do good for all men while we can. There is no exclusivity here. Some churches are too inward looking and ignore the need of those outside. But the spiritual Christian has a wide vision, and he considers both the spiritual and the physical needs of all who are within his purview.

Nevertheless Paul then adds, ‘especially towards those who are of the household of faith'. The ‘household of faith' is the assembly of Christians in each place and in every place. They are looked on as one family. And Christians are to have special concern for them (John 13:35; John 15:12).

So in the end we must look outside ourselves. Too much inward looking will unquestionably lead to failure, and is indeed sinful. What we must do is look outward to the needs of others. And this includes everyone, not just our own group, although, because our fellow-Christians are our ‘brothers', we should have special regard for them.