Most of the time I try not to make a nuisance out of myself.
(No, really.)
I shudder at the idea of condemning someone for his or her sin when I have "issues" (that's Christian code for "sin problem") of my own. I don't want to manipulate, pressure, or compel my friends to believe what I believe about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. (Although sometimes I wish God would give us the ability to compel folks the way vampires do so we could wrap this whole mess up in a hurry.)
I'm painfully aware of the reaction folks have to meeting a Christian, especially one "in ministry." Like when the lady who pierced my nose realized she'd cussed someone out on the phone while I was in the room. As soon as she found out I was a pastor's wife, she apologized, as though it would scorch my purified pastoral ears to hear such language. I tried to explain that not only have I heard those words before, I've USED those words. Out loud. Recently.
I've tried to avoid mentioning God in casual conversation with friends. I've tried to explain my perspective on a situation without bringing in what I know of my Creator. I just can't do it.
I can't tell you how kid #3 supernaturally recovered from chronic ear infections without telling you what God "told" me to do to fix the problem. (Telling people God talks to you is a surefire way to get a raised eyebrow and a concerned expression.) I can't explain why we moved here without explaining to you the insistent tug of His calling. To tell you about the time the dial on our electric meter miraculously moved backward and spared us from a bill we couldn't afford, I have to tell you about my Jesus, who answers prayer.
Why can't I leave it alone? Why can't I keep God out of my conversations, out of my blog posts, off my Facebook status? Why do your Christian friends continue to pester you about church, about the Bible, about who Jesus is to you, about receiving Him as Savior and Lord? Why the H-E-double toothpicks won't they just leave you alone?
I can't speak for every Christian, only for myself. I can't bear to consider the idea of spending eternity without all the people I've come to respect, admire, and love.
How could heaven be heavenly without you?
Posts
4 Comments
You hit it, honey. We don't shut up because we can't.
ReplyDeleteI don't tell about my Jesus and all the prayers he answers because I'm a pw and it's my "job;" I talk about Him because He's the only way that makes any sense in this crazy world, and I want you with me in Heaven!
Awesome post! Jesus is just so much a part of my life. He's the best part! And the closer I get the harder it is to keep mum. ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jeanette! It's true, being a PW has more to do with why I'm reluctant to talk to people about God and church and faith. Sad, but true.
ReplyDeleteRenee~ Hi! And thanks for your kind words. I agree, the more we abide in His presence, the harder it is NOT to talk about Him. It would be like never mentioning your spouse, or your kids, to your closest friends! How strange would that be?
ReplyDelete