Reaching Out

At church for the last two weeks we have started a new Study called "Just Walk Across the Room", I don't know if you are familiar with it but basically it's all about moving outside of your comfort zone to reach people who may not be in church. One of the ways we can do this is by meeting people who may have one of the same interests that you do like, fishing (men), sports, hiking, just whatever you may like to do, more than likely there is someone you come in contact with who you could get to know better.

I have to tell you that it is a really good class/study/whatever you want to call it, but it can really open your eyes to exactly how well we know people, even our families. One of the exercises was to write down who your neighbors are, what they do, where they attend church, that kind of thing. I think I was pretty lucky because most of my neighbors go to my church and I have known them my whole life. But there were a few that I couldn't say that about. One was a lady that lives on my street, who I have talked too many times. But I didn't know where she went to church. Hmmm, not doing to well am I? Then I have another neighbor, I haven't even really talked to him at all. The Mr has, but not really in the "get to know you" kind of way. Just casual hello, what's up kind of stuff.

This week one of the things we were asked to think about was making a list of people we would like to see come to Christ. There were several names on my list, some of them are Christians, but I think they just need some growing time. Some are very far from being Christians. But I care about each of them so I would really like to see them turn to God.

One man in the video took 8 years to make his commitment to Christ. 8 YEARS!!! That seems like such a long time doesn't it. I mean all the man (Bill Hybels) did was be his friend, be there for him, and talk to him about God, when he wanted to talk. But EIGHT years. What commitment and genuine caring. He truly cared about his friend. So much so that he didn't want to spend eternity without him.

Do you have someone in your life like that? Someone who may be a great person, fun to be around, but they just won't make that step? Maybe they have some kind of addiction, or fault that they feel unworthy? I think we probably all know someone who we can put in this category. This week we should challenge ourselves to try to be an example before that person and to pray for them nonstop until they do make that commitment.

How hard can it be to pray for someone? Let's do it, pick someone and pray for them. Maybe when we are around them we will try to listen a little more than talk, ask about their week? Something to show them that we genuinely care about them. Surely, we can do that. After all God has done for us, we can do that for him can't we?

Now that's something to think about!