Me: You should visit our church this Easter.
Friend: I don't like church.
Me: (Shocked at the honesty but appreciating) Tell me why, please.
It was a conversation that was ordained by the One and Only. I knew we would be having lunch together, and I had prayed just for this conversation to take place. It was her words that have had my mind spinning about how important our role is to live out what we know. Not in perfection and without the understanding of grace for our failures, but to understand it's not religion. It's relationship. Relationship with Him. Relationship with others.
What if we have the opportunity to change the way that someone feels about Christians and Christianity?
What if we have the chance to help someone recognize the truth behind what Christ intends for a life in Him?
Without giving too much information about the situation, I can share that this young lady has experienced some things in life in regards to other Christians and her own personal defeat that have turned her off to a life in Him. It was through this ordained conversation that I was able to share a bit of the Lord. I was able to share a bit of who Christ is and what He might have for her through these times. It tears at my heart to think that at this moment I had the "right" words and took advantage of the opportunity, but what about the moments when I've been on the other side, the side that has turned someone off to a life in Him? A time when my actions have done anything but reflect the nature of His infinite grace and love.
The Lord encouraged me and humbled me through this conversation. He reminded me of how He places me (us) in the lives of people for "such a time as this." It's our opportunity to possibly refute all the negatives and change some one's opinion. Change their opinion of Him. Open their eyes to the truth of an abundant life.
Lord, please help me to live for you and listen closely to Your Spirit. Please let me be the person that you've called me to be. Please use me in spite of my failures.
Labels: Things Pondered
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