I had a very interesting conversation with a non-Christian friend yesterday about God, and Creationism, and church, and homosexuality, and a host of other things. It was a really interesting conversation. But it occurred to me while we were talking, that I almost never have conversations like this with people who don't believe the same things that I do. And I don't think that I'm the only Christian like that. Nick even commented to me that I was the first Christian he had talked with who was able to defend her beliefs, and didn't get mad at him because his beliefs differ.
It's so easy for us to talk about God with people who believe in Him, or to tell other Christians that we'll pray for them. But when we get around non-believers, we shut up tighter than a clam. We reason with ourselves, saying that we can witness to them with our actions; there's no need to say anything to them.
But God has told us to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." The fact that Nick had never spoken with a Christian who could intelligently explain their beliefs should convict ever single one of us. The fact that most non-believers assume that talking science with a Christian will automatically upset them should spur us to prove them wrong.
We are not tasked with saving the world. That's God's job, and I am more than happy to let Him have it. But we ARE tasked to tell people about Him. Try to tell someone today. It doesn't have to be a big deal. But how can they believe if they have never heard?
It's so easy for us to talk about God with people who believe in Him, or to tell other Christians that we'll pray for them. But when we get around non-believers, we shut up tighter than a clam. We reason with ourselves, saying that we can witness to them with our actions; there's no need to say anything to them.
But God has told us to "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." The fact that Nick had never spoken with a Christian who could intelligently explain their beliefs should convict ever single one of us. The fact that most non-believers assume that talking science with a Christian will automatically upset them should spur us to prove them wrong.
We are not tasked with saving the world. That's God's job, and I am more than happy to let Him have it. But we ARE tasked to tell people about Him. Try to tell someone today. It doesn't have to be a big deal. But how can they believe if they have never heard?
1 Peter 3:13-17
13 Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? 14 But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.” 15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. 17 For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 
No comments:
Post a Comment