"At Home" Among Non-christians

by L. Burrows, Kingston upon Thames, U.K. | Category: Relationships | Mar 1983

(The writer converses with a fellow-disciple:)

I'm thankful I was brought up in a Christian home. My parents taught me the Scriptures from infancy and I soon formed the habit of regular attendance at meetings of the Church of God where we lived. This training has been of great benefit to me but I sometimes think I might have missed some valuable spiritual experiences which I hope you can tell me a little about in view of your very different upbringing.

I think I can see your point Mr. Burrows. My family are not Christians, far from it. I was saved through going to Sunday School. My brother's school friend persuaded us to go with him and I later went to some special meetings where the speaker made the way of salvation so clear to me that now everything is changed and my outlook is completely different. This makes my family life rather hard at times, but I would not change places with anybody else. The Lord has put me where I am and I am happy for Him to work out His purpose in me.

I'm glad to hear that. Now tell me how to get on with the other members of your family, seeing they don't share your views.

Well, there is no open antagonism. I do my best not to stir up any trouble. They know where I stand and I think they respect me for it; they don't interfere in my life. My mother has a knowledge of the Bible and because of what God has done for me she expects me to be much better than I am. I feel this is my main problem. At home my faults are very visible and I worry about my witness not being effective because of this. I seem to have to be constantly on my guard.

It must be difficult for you. Prayer and watchfulness are important aren't they

My brothers don't blaspheme when I'm around, or if they do they apologize. My father is different, he has no respect for God and takes no notice of my feelings. I pray always that God will speak to him, or rather that he will listen to God speaking. My brothers sometimes ask me about God and religion and then I try to point them to the Saviour.

What Scriptures have you found helpful in your daily problems

Many of the Psalms are of course a great comfort to me and uplift my spirit. Some verses from Peter's epistles help me too: "If ye are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are ye" and, "If a man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this name" (1 Peter 4:14,16). Another helpful verse from the same letter is, "If ye should suffer for righteousness' sake, blessed are ye: and fear not their fear, neither be

troubled; but sanctify in your hearts Christ as Lord: being ready always to give answer to every man that asketh you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, yet with the meekness and fear ... for it is better ... that ye suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing" (3:15-17). 1 hear the Lord speaking to me through these scriptures and I am encouraged to carry on.

Often I realize I cannot go it alone, then I just ask God to take over. I know I should be conscious of God always being with me, but when things are difficult I find this a specially precious experience".

What special advantages do you think you have over someone in Christian family

I cannot avoid seeing the world at close quarters. I see its ugliness and it repels me, so worldly things do not attract me so much as perhaps they might a believer who has only seen their presentable side.

Then the problems and uncertainties at home make me appreciate the consistent godliness found in the local Church of God. I really could not manage without the support and spiritual help it gives me. I especially enjoy the meetings and the companionship of fellow-saints. I like to be with those who share my beliefs, it is such a contrast with my home life. I would not wish to make too close a friend of anyone not in a Church of God and I am appalled if I see a Christian keeping company with a non-Christian of the opposite sex. I do not think they would do such a thing if they knew, as I do, what a problem it is to live with wordly people.

I have had to cope with all sorts of problems just with God's help. Sometimes I have failed, but I have found forgiveness and restoration and my faith has been strengthened. I think this development of my spiritual life is largely due to my difficult home circumstances.

Thank you for telling me so frankly about yourself Your home life is very different from mine, but we each have to fill our separate roles which have been given to us by a wide God. May He help us to glorify Him in whatever circumstances He choses to place us.

Great God, and dost thou condescend

To be my Father and my Friend?

I, a poor child, and thou so high,

The Lord of earth and sea and sky!

Thou art my Father; I'll depend

Upon the care of such a Friend,

And only wish to do and be

Whatever seemeth good to Thee.

L. Burrows, Kingston upon Thames, U.K. | Mar 1983
Relationships