I was one of those kids that literally was raised in the church. I was a “good” kid and never really strayed from the church. Honestly, I was in church at negative 9 months old, if you know what I mean. I gave my life to Jesus when I was 9 years old and was baptized. I went to church and I was good because, well, that is what you are supposed to do…you are supposed be good!
All that changed when a new family, the Belew’s, moved into town and joined our church. I was 14 and had just started to attend the youth group (old term for student ministry). This family had 4 girls, 3 of which were teenagers. Although I was a fairly shy guy, I became friends with them and since they lived close to me, they would often pick me up for youth group events. My life changed as a result of the Belew girls. For the first time, I was seeing people…cool, fun, normal people talk about their prayers with me, read the Bible through the week, and share with me what they were learning. From them, I came to see Jesus as a friend to be with, more than just someone to meet with once a week. My life changed…and has never been the same.
Pastor George shared this weekend that the most loving and caring thing you can do is to get your friend in front of Jesus. That is exactly what that family of girls did for me. They got me in front of Jesus by the words they spoke, the way they lived, and the love they shared with me. Each day you have the privilege and honor to show that same love to your friends. You can get your friends in front of Jesus by showing them Jesus through your life and by speaking about Jesus in your life. What friend, relative, co-worker, classmate, neighbor, or acquaintance might you love enough this week to get them in front of Jesus? It might be an invitation to join you at Shades; texting to ask how you can pray for them; setting up a lunch date to meet with them; or simply just asking them how you can encourage them towards Jesus. Would you consider initiating contact with a friend today in order to help get them in front of Jesus? I am certainly glad the Belew girls did, and your friend will be too!
May you live sent today!