It is easy for me to be around Christians. I am comfortable in speech and actions. I know I can talk with them about the Lord and my prayer life, and they will understand where I am coming from. You most likely will not hear curse words. When I go to church I am surrounded by smiles and hugs, and we are a family united.
Why is it that I distance myself from the unbelievers? I am not comfortable when their conversation can sometimes have many curse words and some using God’s name in vain. I think if I mention Christ to them, they will walk away or tell me to never mention Christ to them again. I sometimes am concerned if I am seen with them because what my Christian friends might think.
What is ironic, I was “them” at one time in my life and my brother Tom along with my sister Patty led me to Christ by words and example. I don’t think Jesus wants me to live my life in a comfortable state of mind. I think he wants me to be a bold witness for him. Someone who is unashamed to mention his name to anyone saved or not saved. He even tells me in his word if I am ashamed of him he will be ashamed of me when I meet him. That will not end good. His great commission tell me he includes ALL the world as the ones he wants us to reach.
Does thins include ISIS who hates Americans? Yes! Does he mean the murderers and rapists in prisons? Yes! Wow, He loves everyone! What a concept. He also wants us to love everyone.
When I attend Men’s Encounters’ I am surrounded by about 70% Christian men and we are on a mission of 48 hours to fish for men. About 10% of the other men there for the weekend are there just because someone loved them enough to ask them to come and see. They may already be saved. Another 10% are there for the same reason however they are lost and have no idea what they have said yes to when they arrive. The other 10% are there because they have lost their way. They have looked to drugs or alcohol or even sex to fill the void they feel in their life. They know who Jesus is but have not walked with him for a very long time. They are hoping this weekend will help them re-establish their relationship with Christ.
Now tell me, why am I the most comfortable when I am with these men? Some of them may cuss in every sentence. Should I discount their soul? Of course not. I am there as a conduit to love them to Jesus. God seems to always give us the words to say to impact a life for him. He uses us as a tool to reach the hearts of men. It is a huge high in my life that I love so much.
If you know of any man that could benefit for a weekend with Christ, give me their name and number and I will invite them, or you can. February 7-9.Nothing changes until something changes. Be the one that God uses today to impact a life for him.
Have a blessed week with Jesus!
Jim Everett
Luke 9:26 Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
