You Can't Help Those Who Don't Want Help

In High School, I had many friends who were not Christians, or at least . . . not like I was. I loved them to death, and I miss hanging out with them . . . especially during times like Band Camp. However, at first I felt like my Christianity strained things at times. I had my rules, morals, ethics, principles, standards - whatever - and at times my innocent and straight-laced nature rubbed against the ideals and standards of my sexually active, chronic-swearing, do-what-I-want, be-who-I-want friends. Even though my friends were the kindest-hearted and most open friends, there were times when I felt turned off by their behavior, and I know there were times when they were turned off by mine.

Somehow, though, we managed to click and become good friends. At times it was frustrating because I felt like my values were being degraded, or there was simply no concern or consideration for my Christian beliefs. There were times when I would mention Christianity, and try to understand why Christianity was not much a part of their lives, if at all. We had debates over religion and I would invite them to church - and they would always decline. Eventually we did what we had to do to remain friends - we accepted each other. I did not nag or push Christianity on them; I merely showed Christ-like love and stuck to my beliefs. They, for the most part, respected my beliefs and did not force me or influence me to do things I did not want to do.

There are some people who you can take to church and help bring them to Christ. However, there are others who have fiddled with the idea, and rejected it completely . . . and will not change their decision. My friends fell into group number two. They were not even on the fence . . . they rejected it and completely did not want it as their lifestyle. No matter how much I would have begged, pleaded, or argued, their stance would not have changed. In fact, it would have made them push me away, making me lose my chance of showing them any Christ love whatsoever.

My friends aided in my desire to steer clear of inviting people to church - they did not want to, so who else would? Besides, I had already done my part in the first place by even asking them. No . . . sorry, not off the hook. There are so many more out there who need you to invite them to church or to any church event. A Christian influence is so important. But for those who do not want it, no matter how many times you ask, your job is still not complete. We still have the all-important task of being and showing Christ to them. If we push them away because they do not agree with our lifestyle, then we are not being good examples or tools of Christ. Sometimes we just need to accept the fact that we cannot win every battle against sin, no matter how hard we may try.

What is left for us to do is to pray. Be prayer warriors for the people in our lives who don't know Christ, who have fallen off the "straight and narrow" path, who have lost their way in an increasingly desire-driven world. Prayer is our strongest defense against sin, temptation, evil, and the Devil himself. Besides prayer, we must also be Christ to the people in our lives that are living a lifestyle apart from ours. Even if they decide that Christianity is not something that they agree with or are interested in, if we just show them love, at least we may start to change the negative connotation that comes with the word Christianity. We may not be able to save every person we meet on the street, but we can certainly make a difference.




"If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? "
-Matthew 5:46

"Love your neighbor as yourself."
-Matthew 22:39

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. "
-John 13:34

"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
-1 Corinthians 13:13