True Authority

Your friends are the loveliest people you know: kindhearted, considerate, and nonjudgmental…and they’re atheists. So, what happens when you’re the only Christian in your circle of friends? There are typically a few ways this can play out:

1. You don’t tell them you’re a Christian. There are moments when it seems awkward or even impossible to bring up your faith. You pray for your friends and hope they’ll notice a positive difference about you and be intrigued to know why (Matthew 5:16).

2. They know, but it’s something you don’t talk about. In this scenario, your friends know you’re a Christian, but you kind of agree to disagree about it and don’t really discuss faith. But one day, a life event or even a crisis might provide an opportunity for them to ask you those deep, unanswered questions about your beliefs.

3. They know about your faith, but you drift away from each other. When you become a Christian, your lifestyle choices may change (Romans 12:1-2). Saying no to certain activities can separate you from friends who don’t share your point of view, and you may find you’re drifting apart. This can be painful and confusing. Draw near to God in these moments to receive His comfort and guidance (Psalm 32:8; 34:18; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

As a Christian, it’s important to remember your own daily need of Jesus’ forgiveness and to spend time with God and fellow Christians as you listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. There are times when being quiet may slowly lead friends toward God, whereas bombarding them with information might push them away. Sometimes, God gives opportunites for good conversations. Whatever situation you find yourself in, strive to live like Jesus. Remain strong and faithful. You never know whose life you might see transformed. • Cindy Lee

• Do you have friends who are atheists or who have spiritual beliefs that are different from biblical Christianity? What do you like about them? What do you enjoy doing together?

• Some people reject Christianity because of a bad experience or hypocrisy in a faith community. How can you accurately represent Jesus and show His compassion through your actions?

Are you struggling to discern how to walk in wisdom and glorify God in certain friendships? Who is a trusted Christian you can talk to about this?

…worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way… 1 Peter 3:15-16 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Matthew 28:16-20; Mark 1:21-28; Luke 10:17-24