Relationships

How many relationships do you have?  The neighbor you greet about 2-3 times a week.  The  mailman you greet once in a while, the UPS man that delivers a package occasionally. The man that always sits behind you at church?  You say "Hi, nice to see you" or something like that every time you see them..  But what about real relationships?  How about the guy in the next cubicle at work?  Maybe you go out to lunch on Fridays with him and a few other guys, what do you talk about?  Sports, politics, the weather,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,?  Did you know if you have told your acquaintances that your a christian they are watching you, feeling you out?  They are waiting to see you "in action", they are wondering if your really a christian, or just pretending to be.  They wonder if you just go to church, to make yourself feel better or are you the "real deal"?
     We had a visiting preacher at my church this last Sunday, and he challenged us among other things about our relationships.  So here we go.  Did you  know that to be a real witness for someone, it's easiest to already have a relationship formed.?  When you declare yourself as a Christian, it is like announcing your a candidate for president.  The background checks will start, the checking the scripture to see if your right about what you say, or what your religion, church says or believes.
     So what do you need to do?  Easy, live like you normally do.  Do what is normal, if you always live for God then there will be no problem.  If your standards are high, then those around you will see that.  If your more about relationships then religion, then those around you will see this.  If those in your office come to you with "problems they want you to pray for", or they ask about your church and what they believe, then they see you as someone who they would like and respect.
     BUT it first starts with a relationship, if the first time you meet them you tell them they are going to hell if they don't...............whatever, then they are more then likely going to never listen to you again.  BUT if you treat them as friends, respect them, ask them about their family, there passions get to know them BECAUSE your really interested in them.  It is amazing how people can spot a "fake" right away.  If your "real" they will know as well. 
     If you "mess up" and confess to them that you did, guess what?  Most people will see you as human and respect that you confessed.  They may be having the same trouble with the same things, and that might get the ball rolling. 
     The more you know them, the more time you have invested in them, the more they will respect you.  The last thing most people need is judgmental attitudes analyzing  them.  I know I know, what they are doing is really bad, but "Who among us, is not?"  "He that has no sin, cast the first stone"
     People are people, there is nothing we can do about it.  Be a friend, yes to "those sinners" you might be surprised how much you like them.  Maybe not how they are living, but just who they are.
You don't have to be perfect, just human.  They might start asking questions, and they may not, but you'll more then likely form a relationship, make a new friend.
     I knew a guy years ago in the Navy, he was very vocal about his opinions, he was a drunk every time we were in port,  he partied constantly, except when we were out to sea.  I always thought he would make a great christian, because he spoke his opinion regardless of who was listening or who was around.  He made his opinion known when the Admiral was around once, and got the "look" from our Captain, didn't bother him, they asked for opinions, and he gave one.  I told him one time that I thought he would make a great "street preacher", he just looked at me and called me crazy.  I hope he found the Lord, because he had the passion, the love for life, the "who cares what happens to me" attitude.  Those "Gruff and Tough" guys make great Christians, I think.  If you remember Barry McGuire, then you know what I am talking about.
There is room in Gods family for every type of personality , so don't judge, just live like God wants you to live.  You never know who is watching.  And who knows?  Remember, you don't have to be perfect, I mean who among us is?  Just be human, real, and show love for everyone.  Mainly, don't judge other, just love them.     Till next time   Chris