Thoughts for the Day

Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord,
your salvation according to your promise.
Then I shall have an answer for those who taunt me,
for I trust in your word.
Do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth,
for my hope is in your ordinances.
I will keep your law continually, for ever and ever.
I shall walk at liberty,
for I have sought your precepts.
I will also speak of your decrees before kings,
and shall not be put to shame.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Coming towards me was someone I knew. Suddenly she did a quick about turn and disappeared. Why was she avoiding me? Well, she had been a church member, but had just stopped coming!

I've learnt one thing about people who leave church - they need to be allowed to go comfortably, even if their reasons seem odd. If we don't make the transition easy, they will hide round corners, and it all becomes very awkward. Being able to keep a good relationship with them, is important for the future.

We may not be called to speak to kings, but we are called to speak to others about God. However, if we push too hard they will run away every time they see us coming. The experts on faith development reckon it takes at least six good experiences of church before a person becomes a committed Christian. So keeping a good relationship with family, friends and those who leave church is important, and you will be there if they want to talk about God.

Tuesday 13th October, follow up thoughts

Heavenly Father,
we ask Your help
with our relationships
to family and friends,
and especially with those
who seem to have no faith.
Let us be open to their
suspicion or doubt,
and ready to speak of You
if they turn to us.
Amen.