The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Level of fellowship with the young in faith

Dear Dave,
I have been inordinately blessed to have 2 elders who went to L'Abri in its heyday in the late 60's, were transformed there, and have lived out what they heard there in this urban setting. Hopefully some of it has rubbed off!Certainly shallowness is a common evasive tactic among those running from the truth of the Word of God, but for others it can be a way of greasing the skids of familiarity, leading to the openness and trust in which deeper communication can take root. Rather than "looking to extend my emotional and intellectual self to anyone seeking my friendship", I prefer to believe that I may be able to help some who couldn't care beans about my friendship, that it is up to me to seek them out, because that is how I would hope to be treated--and more importantly, because that is how I have been treated. If it means starting by talking about the weather, or sports, or news, or family, or job, I am convinced that all conversation can be engaged in to the glory of God, without compartmentalizing the "sacred" from the "secular". Of course there are forbidden forms--you mentioned gossip--but if those arise, there's another opportunity to speak the truth in love!

BTW, I can guarantee you that never in my life has anyone ever thought of me as a "wide eyed and bushy tailed" personality! In a crowded room I would find it naturally easier and more preferable to count the dots on floor tiles than to start a conversation with someone who may not reciprocate, but I have never regretted the times I have done so, because so many opportunities to speak about the Lord arise, and that truly excites this ex-stoic!

Of course there are those who remain shallow--whether through immaturity or intentional evasion, God knows--but I would rather err on the side of "offered fellowship rejected" than "needed fellowship withheld". 2 Timothy 2:16,22-26 seems to create the proper balance:
"Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ... Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.