John 17

I struggle with Christians who do not have any non-Christian connection.  Some do it unintentionally.  They attend church on Sunday and go out to lunch with their Christian friends from church after Services.  They work in a Christian environment during the week.  They have Bible study with Christians one night a week.  Their children play for the church softball league – where everyone is a Christian.  The longer we are Christians, the more Christians we meet, and those are the people we fellowship with.

For others the division is on purpose.  Some communities of faith do not want any outside influences to sway their flock.  So, they encourage their congregations to home-school their children together as a community or the church has an affiliated school to enroll in.  All activities for the children are sponsored through the school; i.e. Brownies, Boy Scouts, sports teams, music education, etc.  The adults have small groups for Bible Study and socialization.  Supper clubs during the week and other events are scheduled as a community.  Some faith communities even encourage their congregations to move into certain neighborhoods for closer community.

On one hand, I see the attraction to this kind of lifestyle.  There is no need to worry about negative ideas being introduced to the children.  Conversation is always uplifting and not “gossipy” or ugly.  Those you spend time with are – well – Christians.

On the other hand, secluding ourselves as Christians dilutes our ability for evangelism.  Without non-Christian friends and co-workers, we begin to forget what life was like before Christ.  It becomes a challenge to relate to those who don’t live with Jesus as their plumb line.  Our passage today tells us that Jesus did not ask God to take us out of the world, just that the evil one would be kept away.  We are to be light in this dark world (Matt. 5:14); which means we need to be out in this dark world.

Who do you know that is not a Christian?  I encourage you to get to know them more.  By building that relationship, they will be open to you inviting them to church.  They will become open to you sharing your faith with them.  By becoming a friend, you can lead them to Jesus.  This is what we are called to do.  This is what we should want to do.  It might be scary, but the truth is if someone does not know Jesus as Savior, when they die they will go to Hell.  By being their friend and introducing them to Jesus, you will change their eternity!

If you truly have no one in your life who is not a Christian, pray that God would send some your way.  If you already have someone in mind, ask them out for lunch or coffee and begin building that relationship.

I’m praying for you!

Pastor Amy