Mixed Nuts

I recently went to a neighborhood party in my area.  I’m getting to know my neighbors that live around me in Thailand and am happy to see I basically live in the United Nations.  To the left I have England and to the right I have the United States. Directly in front I have Australia, and behind me I have India.  I little further down I have Sweden and German folks nearby.  And mixed into it all we have Thailand. It’s great getting to know people from all over the world, hearing their accents, and learning about their cultures is a great life experience.

Reminds me of a bag of mixed nuts. Good ol’ peanuts combined with macadamias, acorns, cashews, pistachios, walnuts, and even a few of those large Brazilian nuts.  All different in taste, texture, and size but also similar being they’re all nuts.  And aren’t we all a little bit nuts now and then?  I know I am. 

So, there I was at this party talking to a new friend, Jimmy, from Australia.  Nice guy who was telling me about his deep-sea diving experience catching fish all the Great Barrier Reef.  I’ve never been to Australia, but it sounds like a fun place to visit.  Then he asked to talk about myself, which I did.  An opportunity came up to share a little bit about my belief in Jesus as my savior.  So, Jimmy asked, “Oh, are you a Christian?”  To which I said, yes, and offered to share a bit about what I believe according to the what the Bible tells me, if he was interested, that is.  Jimmy genuinely thanked me and said he might take me up on my offer at a future date.  Fair enough.

I think that’s a good way to handle how we talk to our neighbors.  We share information about ourselves and our philosophies, beliefs, hobbies, interests, but in a friendly and humble way.  Not forcing our opinions on others but waiting for that invitation to mutually share and learn about our fellow human beings.

So, one day, Jimmy and I may have just that conversation about our shared beliefs, perhaps over a cold brew with some BBQ’d shrimps.  That would be just fine with me.

As far as sharing your faith with others, here’s a few things I learned from God’s Word that I thought I would share with you, too.  God bless and enjoy.

·       Live wisely among those who are not Christians and make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone. (Colossians 4:5-6) 

·       And so, I solemnly urge you before God and before Jesus Christ, who will someday judge the living and dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God.  Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  (2 Timothy 4:2) 

·       For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ.  It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16) 

·       You must 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 3:15-16a) 

·       A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.  (2 Timothy 2:24-25)

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