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My dad tells me that I should hang out with Christian friends (at lunch, for example) and only hang out with non-christians once in a long while. I believe this is because he wants me to have the positive influence of Christian people, but then where is the time for Ministering? Jesus ate and drank with sinners, did he not? He had not come to save those who were well, but those who were sick. Am i Right?

2006-10-27 09:36:46 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture Religion & Spirituality

23 answers

Yes, you're right, but Jesus was also usually surrounded by a group of individuals who served Him faithfully. So in a way, your dad is right, too. Jesus also spent a lot of time alone in prayer.

2006-10-27 09:39:37 · answer #1 · answered by Shayna 5 · 2 0

I enjoy the time that I spend with people who share faith with me (same belief system). I believe that it gives all involved the opportunity to grow more in God's love.

This doesn't mean that I avoid people who DON'T share faith with me. But, it really isn't the same. I'm not able to relate to them in the same way.

Time for ministering should be an act of your faith. I don't believe that ministering is a casual thing that may or may not happen depending on what happens around you. For example, if you feel called to minister to the sick, you would spend time visiting in the hospital, in hospices, and the infirmed at home. That's a LOT different than hanging out with friends and calling it ministering.

So, yes, you're right that ministering can take several forms. But I think you're confusing ministering with hanging out. Not that hanging out is a big deal (it COULD be if you're getting bad influence), but it's no way near the same thing as ministering.

Good question. Thanks for asking.

2006-10-27 16:45:59 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

For the most part your dad is right. Howeverm I'm a full on Christian, with a lot of friends. Some are Christian, but I don't think the majority are. The world is a big place with all kinds of people though. The book of Jude also touches on not excluding non Christians in your life.
Good Christians can help you learn and grow in your faith. And who knows, if you don't push your faith on your friends, you may just become an example, and help them on the right path. I don't know how oldyou are but your dad does have a point. You do as well though. You're right about the sick neededing him, not the healthy.

2006-10-27 16:41:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1 0

I have heard this question come up before. For example, in the traditional Lutheran church they refuse to have their own schools because they believe they should live in main stream society, and let their lives be examples to non believers. But then, it would be easier as a Christian to go to Christian schools and to only be surrounded by people with the same beliefs. A lot less tension and stress!

I think there is a middle ground here. Your father is probably worried that if you hang around people with questionable morals, that they will influence YOU, rather than the other way around. I see his point. But it is also good for you to live a life that is an example to them. Most people are not ALL bad. But at the same time, it will hurt you to see them making wrong decisions, and this may automatically kill the friendship ultimately.

I think choose your CLOSE friends wisely, as in people with your beliefs. But it is ok for your acquaintances to be different from you. You can't go thru life avoiding people who are different.

2006-10-27 16:45:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

You are right. However, Jesus ate with them in order to preach to them and to inform them of the kingdom news. You also have to keep in mind that he was perfect, and has not influenced by others. We do need to be careful with the people whom we associate with.
The bibles mentions in 1 Corinthians 15:33 "Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits."

Also keep in mind what is registered in 1 Corinthians 5:11
"But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. "

2006-10-27 16:56:56 · answer #5 · answered by Amy D 1 · 0 0

As christians we are not be unequally yoked in our relationships. We are supposed to be in the world and not of it. Can you spend most of your time with unbelievers and not sin? Chances are your faith will be called into question and your morals and values will be tested. Are you a strong enough Christian to stand up the worldly peer pressure? Jesus was!

You also need other like minded christians around you to encourage you in your walk and to hold you accountable. Without those two things, you would remain a spiritual baby and never grow to become a spiritually mature adult.

2006-10-27 16:43:28 · answer #6 · answered by tmreiber 2 · 0 0

That's a tough one. I feel it's in line with whatever situations God places us in but I'm also quick to mention that we're not strong enough to constantly be immersing ourselves in others sin when we Christians/humans have enough of our own---Christ was sinless and could do that, he was God. I think solitude should be the most abundant with fellowship with Christians and non-Christians taking the backseat. It's refreshing to be around other Christians but it is not by any means reality. We have to positively influence the world and, as much as it's good to be with our fellow Christians, there are people in dire need of love and answers to questions that are indispensable to their peace. Hence, solitude first (for reflection and finding answers to difficult life questions) then time living amongst people (simply living IS witnessing) and coming together in fellowship last when you're exhasted and need to find rest.

2006-10-27 17:11:43 · answer #7 · answered by Weldon 2 · 0 0

First, decide what your goal is in life, what you want your life to look like in 5, 10, 25 years.
Second, analyze the influence the people you spend time with have on you.
Third, analyze the influence you have on the people you spend time with.
Fourth, decide how much maturity you have, not to be influenced by negative influences, ie those that do not help you achieve your goals.
Fifth, decide how much time you should spend with the groups of people you spend time with.
Sixth, find ways to grow in maturity so you can spend more time with all groups.

2006-10-27 17:03:26 · answer #8 · answered by Jimmy Dean 3 · 0 1

You are absolutely right. You need to be with people who are believers of GOD but you also need to minister to the unsaved. With this being said...It is okay to hang out with your christian friends but dont leave out the rest just because your dad said to. Part of our jobs as christians is to bring the lost to know GOD at any cost short of sin so that we can give all the glory and praise to GOD. So pray and discuss this issue with your dad. I am sure he will listen.

2006-10-27 16:45:43 · answer #9 · answered by jrolao77 2 · 0 1

As a Christian, I hang out with everybody because I know that God created everyone, even the Atheists. They are still our brothers and sisters.

2006-10-27 16:40:59 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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