bad friends

28/05/09

The point of this blog is to try to make us a wee bit more self-aware (just in case it applies).

The context is that since i have declared myself (in my own head mainly) to be more like an urban missionary rather than a minister/pastor I am becoming incresasingly conscious of how bad we are (as Christians) at relating to normal people.  I have found myself unconsciously trying to keep some Christians away from the normal people - thinking there is more hope of them encountering Christ through direct revelation from source than from the people who represent him.
 

Here's why...

I am sure you have all known people who can turn any conversation around to themselves.  This is not a good behaviour pattern and puts people right off you.  In the sweetness of the Christian fellowship we put up with this sort of behaviour cos we are full of grace.  Maybe a bit more truth would help (that was a reference to Jesus being full of grace AND truth - John 1).  Needy people behave like this but they cannot approach relationship with new people on this basis.  It will be a non-starter.

I am sure you have known people who can be moody and don't mind using their moodiness to affecta relationship or group of people.   These people should stay at home until they grow out of it or keep it for the Christian meeting where they will be ministered to by people willling to treat this as spiritual condition.  But don't let them near groups of people you are trying to make friends with.

I am sure you have known people who are so intense you feel like you have been in a driving exam by the time you have had a cup of coffee with them.  For God's sake lighten up (that was not a profanity).  Don't even take this one to the Christian fellowship - it will suck the life out of the most saintly.

 Sorry for the ranting - this was an exaggeration aimed at getting us all to think about how we can be more normal and natural and easy to get along with.  Cos if we can't make friends how will we ever get the opportunity to minister or share the life of God with each other and with those around us?

More rantings very soon...