Challenges in Everyday Christian LivingMuestra

Sharing Our Belief In An Unbelieving World

Sharing our belief is a challenge for all of us. We live in a world where everyone has the right to believe and live the way they like. How do we influence them with our faith? Notice the word 'influence' rather than 'change'. Change caused by influence is genuine and permanent while due to manipulation or fear is destructive.

God created humanity and gave us the free will to do what we choose. Going back to the Bible, we see that God wanted to influence us to exercise our free will from the beginning. God gave man instructions. Though God knew humans would sin, He did not manipulate or prevent them. However, God longed for a relationship where His influence would encourage humans to trust and follow Him. 

We need to understand that the God who created us gives us a free choice. So how do we share our faith while giving people their free will?

Look at the relationship God had with Adam, Cain, David or the woman caught in adultery. We get pointers on how God looked on them even when they sinned. We see God loving the sinner and providing a way out as He strongly condemns the committed sin. 

How can we apply this to practical living today? 

• We stand by our beliefs.

• We love and respect those who believe the opposite. 

• We do not judge anyone because of their ideas as judgement belongs to the Lord. 

• We find opportunities to interact and connect with them so that God can use us to influence their lives. 

• We engage in lively conversations about beliefs, sharing opinions rather than defending them. We do not give up on our right to believe.

• We are accountable for how we treat people, irrespective of their faith.

• We are not responsible for people's choices, but we need to be careful that our actions do not encourage them to make the wrong choices.

• We acknowledge God in our lives, influencing those around us to seek this God.

Our influence, with God's help, prepares hearts as we point those around us to Christ. 

Prayer: Lord help me to live a life of influence, that people would see the goodness of God in my life and desire the same.