Golfing Buddies, Business Associates, Classmates
“Nah, I don’t think so. I would love to but I already told the guys that I’d hang with them tonight. We always get together on Thursday evenings just to shoot the breeze and get caught up on things and then we make plans for the weekend.”
“But it seems you never want to be with us anymore. We miss you at hymn sings and we miss you at Christian Conferences. We just miss you.”
“Yeah, I know. I miss you guys too but life’s so busy and I can only do so much. It’s not intentional. And don’t take it personally. It’s just a phase of life I’m going through. I’m in with a really good bunch of people right now; they’re really alive and with it and there’s never a dull moment. We sort of think alike and we have a blast together. I guess my comfort level with them is higher; I always seem so uptight when I’m around you guys. When I’m with my friends, I can just relax and enjoy. I guess we have more in common and we connect better.”
With whom do you feel most comfortable? If you ever find yourself wanting to spend more time with non-Christian friends than with Christians watch out. Rarely does the ‘change’ stop there. If you’re slowly withdrawing from Christian activities and finding greater acceptance and energy with other groups, it’s a very poor sign. Such a shift is a red flag.
In Psalm 26 David drew a clear line of distinction between those he preferred to be with and those he chose not to be with. And he was speaking to the Lord about it. In other words he was saying – “Lord, you can check me out. It’s more than mere words to make me look good. I really do love You and love those who love You. My happiest times are when I’m centered on You, Your things and Your people. I don’t hang out with people who displease You or who live lives of sin and shame. I keep my distance from them for we have nothing in common.”
Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind.
For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness.
I do not sit with men of falsehood,
nor do I consort with hypocrites.
I hate the assembly of evildoers,
and I will not sit with the wicked.
I….go around your altar, O LORD, proclaiming thanksgiving aloud,
and telling all your wondrous deeds.
O LORD, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells.
(Psalm 26:2-8 ESV)
It’s a sad day in Christian experience when my comfort level with Christians diminishes and my awkwardness with believers increases. When my praises and thanksgivings are reduced to whispers or lip movements and my heart is rock hard or ice cold. It’s a tragedy for the Christian and a triumph for Satan when I no longer speak of the wondrous deeds of the Lord and I no longer love the habitation of His house where His glory dwells.
Yes, I may have to participate in study groups or do my part in group projects; I may have to attend business conferences or functions; yes, I should visit my neighbors and help them out and I should pay more attention to an unsaved person who is going through a rough time and I should be a true friend to that person who has opened up to me. But when those acquaintances begin to pull me away from friends who love the Lord then I’m in trouble. It’s time to get alone with the Lord.
Remember other people may be sweet, warm, respectful, accepting, helpful, encouraging, exciting, energizing, funny, even hilarious, generous and obliging – but if they are not Christians, they are NOT on Christ’s side. Are you with them in an effort to win them over to Christ OR because they are the people with whom you are most comfortable?