How do we balance taking care of those that are dying IN Christ and those that are dying WITHOUT Christ?
I have noticed, lately, that we spend so much energy taking care of people that are hurting, have cancer, or have some other problem...and they are Christians. As part of the Body, I believe this is essential to fulfill our duties in the Church... to take care of each other.
HOWEVER, it makes me also wonder about how much energy we are expending on making sure that those who are living without Christ don't die without him. Are we doing all we can, praying all we can, to make sure these people, who actually need us more than those in the church do, don't die without that salvation?
I am just as guilty as anyone, maybe more so, knowing that my siblings need Christ, and are making such horrible choices in their quest for happiness...
My questions are: when to open my mouth when they do something destructive, when to risk our relationship, when to keep it shut and make the most of other opportunities... HOW do I approach them about issues, make the most of every opportunity to love them...
Why isn't my heart breaking for them more? Why do I have thoughts that they're just on their own? That nothing I do matters?
Ever since we were kids, I haven't had great relationships with any of them, and when I became a Christian and made other choices than theirs, or questioned their choices, I just became a "priss"...and sometimes called worse than that. I thought when we were adults that would change, but I am so far away from them, and feel like they don't want to hear my point of view, and yet, there are glimmers of hope. They tell me the things in their lives, even when they know I won't agree with them, perhaps testing me to see if I will still love them?
I know God has a plan, and that I and my family are part of it. When Emily was born I felt like God told me that she would be instrumental in their salvation. I pray that when we move closer, that we will have more opportunity to love them closer to Him...
4 comments:
I think that kids are certianly key in getting people to move towards Jesus. They have an innocence and a special way of being able to say the truth in a blunt way that we can't get away with as adults.
I do think that often non-christians are testing us with what they share- I would say be honest, be open, be ready to hear from the HS what to say- but ready to say it. Does that make sense? I have heard from many adult converts that they wanted to be told the truth- that they purposely gave christians in their lives a hard time and were shocked that the christians kept coming back in love and humility. keep praying for them and look for ways to meet needs on a practical basis- thank you notes, a phone call, etc, so that they know you really do love them... then be ready to tell the truth in love and in easy to understand terms. be ready to share your own struggles, and be transparent. ....
i'm preaching to myself as well... as we have family who needs the Lord- ....
blessings in this!
h
Just found your blog through another persons blog I visit. Funny how I was drawn to this....I too had a baby girl who died in June this year, just 4 months ago. This is quite a journey isn't it? Our perspectives seem to be much the same....I too have a longing for heaven like I have never had before. I am so exicted to the day when none of the questions will matter, because in a blink of an eye they will all be answered when we pick up our girls in our arms and they take us to Jesus. This is all part of the tapestry of life and what we can see is just the messy side and in an instant someday the tapestry will be flipped and we will see what a beautiful picture God created out of our lives. I will pray for your grieving heart. Keep being honest...that is what the world needs, I know I am! Love to you sister, Laura
Have you ever read Intercessory Prayer by Dutch Sheets? I'm re-reading it—so incredibly powerful! Pages 175-177 "Thoughts and Temptations" might be of help as you pray for your siblings.
Love to you!
I struggle with these same things (probably because we are so similar in personality!) I tend to say too much too often and be too honest. I fall on that side of the road! I always try (don't always succeed, tho) to just stop and don't say anything, and then if the HS leads, say something in love....hmmmm....we all know how hard this is for me :)
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