I am a Christian but my husband is not, yet He still goes to spiritual gatherings with me, which the Word says may happen —> 1 Corinthians 14:23. After the meetings, he confides in me about his experiences and observations. He also tells me about other ‘professed’ Christians that he talks to or sees in media.
I sit there. I listen. I respond.
I am often hurt and embarrassed by what I see or hear about. I agree with him sometimes, but I also know that everyone who says they are a Christian may not be.
There are many things that Christians do or say that repeal him and upset me, and he told me these things assist in keeping him on the opposing team. Here are a few…
1. Don’t be Scared To Admit That You Don’t Have The Answer
As Christians, we should not be afraid to say that we don’t have the answer to something, especially when we are trying to witness to someone at work or wherever.
Don’t try to “win” an argument.
This will put your mind in a confused state, which will frustrate you. Then, your flesh takes over. Your lack of spiritual knowledge does not mean the person has defeated God. Put your pride aside. Yes, God gives us the words to speak when we don’t have them… if it’s his will. You cannot force him to give you an answer to something he’s not giving you. Maybe God just wanted you to plant a seed or learn from this experience; perhaps, he wants another person to answer. It’s all about: God, his timing and his purpose.
If you are witnessing to someone, tell the person that there is definitely an answer, and you will have to get back with him or her.
Go pray about, talk to the evangelists in your community, and study your Word. God may give you the answer. We are constantly evolving in Christ.
Just be honest.
2. Don’t Poke fun Or Ridicule Other Beliefs
I have seen people in my family laugh at certain people’s beliefs.
Seriously, this is not cool.
When Paul went to Greece, he was distressed about the idols he saw. He did not laugh at the people there. He told them that they were religious enough to have a statue that read “To An Unknown God.” He related and understood their culture, and he shared the real Truth with them (Acts 17:16-32).
I don’t like when people make fun of my faith, so it is not a good idea to do it to someone else. These people do not understand what they are doing or believing in. You should show love to these people; pray for them, and whole-heartily try to share the Gospel.
3. Don’t Judge the World
When you see Christians in your fellowship doing something that contradicts the Bible, they are quietly taken aside and shown their err in Word. If they continue to live in sin, a leader will tell the person to come back to fellowship gatherings when they have repented and are living right. (1 Corinthians 5:13)
You can also observe the fruits of fellow Christians to see if their actions correspond with the Bible. (Matthew 7:16)
But you should not judge the world. You should try to save them though. (1 Corinthians 5:12)
4. Don’t Smother Potential Followers With Overbearing Witnessing Techniques
Well, lets be honest, most people do not want to hear what you’re saying anyway, and you really don’t want to turn the experience into a negative one (Matthew 7:14). You’re to dust your feet off and go to another place if people resist your message (Matthew 10:14)(Acts 13:51).
Just move on. Don’t keep following them around or scream the word ‘hell’ at them.
This will begin to look weird, and cops may arrive shortly.
Make sure the Holy Spirit is guiding you.
5. Please Don’t Flaunt Your “Before Christ” Business
We have seen people get up in front of the church and talk about all the women they’ve been with, how many women were in their (ahem) sessions, and how “fine” the women were. Then, they talk about how they gave all that up for God.
Well, okay, but did I need to hear the extras? You really should not talk about your past exploits in a flattering way; it seems like some of these people are proud of their dirt. Other people need to learn the proper place and time to share certain things.
Christians should share their story to help others, but what is their intent? People should feel ashamed about their scarred past, and they should be thankful they are forgiven and cleansed.
These are just a few things we talk about. I think Christ lovers should remember that non-believers are observing them, getting a glimpse of how we “Christians” act.
PS: Some of the pictures have underlining jokes. If you catch them, email me your answers at kym@trinityphix.com.
Shalom,
