Do you have any really peculiar friends or acquaintances in
your life? If not, look in the mirror, it
may be you, but no one dared to tell you yet! 
I am sure that through the years some probably said I am their “weird religious friend.” I think nearly all of us have some really interesting acquaintances.
Within my circle of friends, and even family relations, there
really are some folks who might just scare you.
Remember, I grew up in the 60’s!
Some are, in or have been, in jail. Some were (hopefully no longer)
downright criminals. And unfortunately,
some are now dead.
How much of us do we really let people see? Are there people in your social or familial
circle with whom you might be a bit embarrassed, or even scared to share your
faith because your “religious content” would be awkward or out of place?
It has been true for a long time, but even more so today,
that we have family, friends and work place colleagues who never really know
much about our personal faith in Jesus Christ.
Sure, they may know we are a Christian, or “religious” or we go to some church,
but that’s about as much as our firewall-of-faith will allow us to present to
them.
It’s not just that we are very private about our “religious
faith,” but like the cowardly lion in the wizard of OZ who reads aloud the warning
sign, “Haunted forest: I’d turn around if I were you,” we promptly turn around
in like manner and retreat.
When it comes to our relationship with God, we have read the
warning sign, “Do not bring your faith
into the big three: family, friends and workplace colleagues. Don’t you dare go
in! It’s too dangerous; I’d turn back if
I were you!” 
If this is true, and I think it is for most of us, how do we
connect the content of our family and friends with our relationship to God?
As you know, we never talk
politics or religion among our family members!
It’s politically incorrect and may even get us kicked out of the family!
How can you be a Christian, leading a life of true and
effectual discipleship in your work place?
As you know, we never talk politics or religion at our work place. It’s politically incorrect and probably will get
us fired!
And for some, we may not dare to
share too much of our personal faith in church. That’s a private matter and too
much “religion” may get you excommunicated from the congregation.
Family, friends, and work – these may be the most difficult
content of our lives to connect with God.
Come and hear this Sunday as we explore how to connect the content our family
and friends with God!
No comments:
Post a Comment