Yesterday almost seemed like the right day for "stepping on toes". It also seemed like all the situations i was in turned toward "religious conversation", in which i don't let up. SHAME ON ME. In speaking with one girl, i found it was hard to use anything with her, for to her , it was all in "my opinion". I realized how much of the time people DO think christians are sharing their opinion, when Hopefully they are speaking from the word of God. This conversation reminded me, that the Spirit quickeneth, the Spirit removes the darkness, like in 2 corinthians 4:6, or 6:4. I think sometimes I (or anyone) get soo caught up in trying to win over the person. Flesh takes over, and hinders the spirit. Throughout the day , i was confronted (with christians from camp) with the issue of music and dating the unsaved. Let me tell you, even while christians KNOW what the bible says, flesh is glorified. I , myself had to battle at the beginning of this year with being "just friends" with an unsaved guy. It leads to trouble. Willfull disobedience is scary. But its God who will change peoples hearts, and its a good and faithful work He does. He promises to finish the work He has started in us. I just wanted to share this, because it is soo important that God be exalted, and not the flesh.

-- jillian (daffodil_skunk83@hotmail.com), December 20, 2001

Answers

Jillian, sometimes you just can't help it, because it is not about religion. It is about life lived fully in Jesus Christ. It is about Truth written in your heart and in your conscience.

Those who wish to do what is right in their own eyes do not want to hear the eternal truth. It does not matter if they are unsaved or they just want to keep God in a box for special occasions.

Just keep walking and talking and God's light will shine through you as a testimony to His Truth. This will say more than any words ever can.

God Bless you.

-- Laura (LadybugWrangler@hotmail.com), December 20, 2001.

Jillian, I've learned that attitude means a lot in influencing people. If you behave in a Chirstian manner, it sometimes means more than shouting to the roof tops! And, you never know who you are going to influence by being a kind and gentle person. Perhaps an unsaved person may come in contact with you, and just by your Christian manner, you may turn them to the Lord.

-- Ardie /WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), December 20, 2001.

Ardie, pretty close to what I was thinking. People often listen better to a whisper than a shout! and arguing with someone, or being too intense with them rarely works.

I truly belive a person has to be ready to hear the truth before they will respond. Just like you wouldn't plant seeds in the snow, trying to sow Kingdom seeds before the soil is ready, usually just results in no plants

I love a quote I heard at church camp "You may be the only Bible someone ever reads" People are always watching and listening to what you say and do, and are quick to notice any slips you will make. I try to never set myself up as better, because, it is a long way to the ground from the top!!!! Having a humble and kind attitude will win more people than any argument ever will.

I know you are young and eager to live a Christian life and witness to your friends, but in all honesty some people will need to learn the hard way. Especially in the area of dating. While it may not seem to matter much when you are young, as you grow older you and your friends will find that sharing a common bond of faith will make the marriage so much stronger. I admire your conviction, keep talking to your friends, but try to whisper...

-- Melissa (me@home.net), December 20, 2001.

Good advice from Melissa..here's more. Do not be afraid to say "I don't know". Then, whatever the topic is, go look it up or ask your elders and then get back to the person. When I was an unsaved person, I frequently argued with believers in order to prove them wrong. The wisest one of all my friends said to some questions, "I don't know"...I respected her so much for not pretending to know it all, and YES I watched her actions to see if what she said matched what she did...I have to say that it was the actions of Christians rather than the words which encouraged me to keep seeking the truth.

-- lesley (martchas@bellsouth.net), December 20, 2001.

Thank you, that is great advice from you all. I think mostly i'm just afraid to miss an opportunity to use Gods word. But what really impressed upon me , was what you said about the life being the only bible they are in contact with. That is soo true . I have been best friends with a girl for thirteen years, and we argue of course. BUt every now and then, she tells me how much she respects me, and is proud of me for the change in my life. In her saying that, she isnt' giving GOd the glory for the work in my life, but she sees the difference, for which i'm thankful. I hope and pray , i will be able to quiet down. But i don't want to be an underzealous christian. This stuff is SERIOUS to me, and a reason to rejoice.

-- jillian (daffodil_skunk83@hotmail.com), December 20, 2001.