Maintain Healthy Relationships With Non-Christians
It is tempting to think that we must 'forget' our non-believing friends once we become a Christian. While is it true that we are now 'different' people, and we must keep ourselves away from situations that may tempt us back into a life of sin, neither are we called to 'alienate' ourselves away from the rest of the population. This is very relieving to some new Christians. We must remember that perhaps someday we may be used to lead these people to Christ. But now that we have a new outlook on life, the best thing we can do for our friends is to let them see the fruit of that outlook. We cannot become 'fanatics', which unfortunately a lot of new Christians do, and consequently drive apart existing friendships. The best advice is to let your friends see the 'new' you, and wonder so that they ask questions.
But beware and be on your guard, always taking every thought captive. We MUST not allow ourselves to become re-ingrained in a lifestyle that is familiar, and eventually disruptive to our Christian walk and witness.
"Therefore dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." 2 Peter 3:17-18a
WhyIBelieve.Org Ministries Copyright Pending 2002 M. Sutherland |
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