September Jottings

“How could someone NOT be a Christian?” That’s what we in the church often think. I mean, the Bible rings so true, God’s presence is real, we know we are forgiven though we don’t deserve it. We experience love and friendship and fellowship within the church. You would think people would be rushing in the church doors to be a part of it.

Yet there are a growing number of folks who scratch their heads and wonder, “How could someone BE a Christian?” They believe God to be non-existent or irrelevant. Why would someone devote so much time and trouble to something that isn’t true? They see the Christian’s whose lives don’t match what they profess and think it all a sham. The fastest growing category of religious belief in the USA are the “Nones,” meaning “None of the above” of the traditional religions.

The religious landscape is definitely changing but this kind of divide has always existed. There were people who were opposed or apathetic to Jesus himself. This is where Christian witness comes in. There is no one formula or approach that is always the best. In fact, the more we understand those outside the church the more we can tailor our approach to their felt needs. Maybe they are looking for assurance of salvation, maybe they need to have love and forgiveness and grace modeled for them. I think this is part of what Paul meant when he said, “I have become all things to all men, in order that by all means save some.” (I Corinthians 9:22).

Sharing our faith can seem so scary. What if they ask a question I can’t answer? What if they associate me with those pushy, obnoxious Christians? While knowledge and experience often help just being a good listener and asking questions and telling our own story goes a long way. Remember, ultimately it is God through the Holy Spirit that does the convicting and convincing.

Maybe a good approach is this: when you get up in the morning before your day really gets rolling just pray this simple prayer. “God, bring someone into my life today who needs you. Help me know what to say.” Then tune in. It probably won’t be something dramatic but I believe God will honor both parts of that prayer. Let’s all commit to doing this as an experiment the month of September.

- Pastor Brian