It’s not really fair to expect unbelievers to act like believers. We are in this world as lights, not as adversaries to the world. We are to love our enemies as well those who are not our enemies (which I think covers everyone). Most people do not follow Jesus, so we are to be missionaries everywhere.
If we change our mindset then we won’t be so discouraged when our culture becomes destructive. Instead of thinking we have a right to live in the kind of place we want, it might help to think of ourselves as missionaries in our community and our world. We are in the minority and we cannot quickly change our culture. As missionaries we need to understand the culture around us. Since there is such a diversity of views wherever we go, our lives are a constant cross-cultural experience. Even talking to our neighbor is sometimes a cross-cultural experience.
Our challenge is finding the right words and actions that will draw people to God. This is what Jesus did, and what Paul did when he went to Athens and Corinth which had a tremendous variety of philosophies. Paul didn’t condemn them; instead he used a poem from one of their poets to reach them (Acts 17:28).
Here are some topics to explore whenever we are interacting with someone who does not believe like we do. Questions about these topics should make them feel that you are interested in them and their ideas. These are also helpful when putting together a strategy for presenting Jesus to a group in a different culture.
- What beliefs do they have that fit with scripture? (Ask them if they think about the meaning of life and how to find happiness. Express agreement with them so they know they have some common ground with you and you respect some of their beliefs. Mention that God knows them and loves them and wants to bless them.)
- What desires and hopes do they have that God would want to fulfill? (Ask them what they would ask if they could ask for something from God. Ask them if they have ever read the teachings of Jesus; mention how Jesus wants to fulfill their desires.)
- What fears do they have that God would want to calm?
- What ideals do they have that fit with scripture? (Explain how God will make everything good someday for all who follow his Son.)What pain or shame do they have that God would want to comfort or heal? (Encourage them and provide whatever help you can.)
- What keeps them from exploring Jesus’ teachings? (Try to discover their barriers. What would they ask God if they could ask one question?)
If we spend time concentrating on these questions we can make much progress in connecting with those around us, regardless of how much they reject Christianity. We may not even mention God at first – just mention something from one of the questions. It’s just a matter of loving people enough to make the effort to discover how to connect with their hearts.
Do you know someone who might be open to talking about any of these topics? What will you ask them to get started?
