Since your salvation, do you prefer to mainly be around Christians?

[FollowingJesus]

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm feeling like I'm drifting apart from my non-Christian friends.

It's not intentional, but I just don't feel that we have a similar 'foundation' in life.

To be honest, I feel like I have more in common with people of other religions than I do with people who are atheist or agnostic. At least the others believe that there IS a God...so there's a good chance they'll come to believe in Jesus (or at least I hope :) )

I would like to be in a circle of friends and associates who think it's GREAT that I go to church 3x per week now...not friends who think I've 'gone off the deep end'.

What was your experience with others as you grew deeper in Christ?

[edb19]

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm feeling like I'm drifting apart from my non-Christian friends.

It's not intentional, but I just don't feel that we have a similar 'foundation' in life.

To be honest, I feel like I have more in common with people of other religions than I do with people who are atheist or agnostic. At least the others believe that there IS a God...so there's a good chance they'll come to believe in Jesus (or at least I hope :) )

I would like to be in a circle of friends and associates who think it's GREAT that I go to church 3x per week now...not friends who think I've 'gone off the deep end'.

What was your experience with others as you grew deeper in Christ?

I'm thinking that at least 90% of my friends are Christians also.

I have acquaintances who are not Christian (i.e. people I work with). There are folks at my church who I'm not "best friends" with, but I'd much rather spend time with them than someone who isn't a believer. For the most part, my friends from church are closer to me than some of my family members.

[zoziw]

My preferences rotate more around common interests and personality type than religion specifically. However, religion (not even specifically Christian) itself is frequently a common interest and in that way I agree with you.

[SteelDisciple]

I prefer to be around christians...but...can't find any people at church I really get along with...so..doh!

[4ujesus]

As Christians we are to be in the world but not of it. We are to minister to the world but have no fellowship with it.

Certainly we are here to know Jesus and to make him known to the lost.(the great commision), and we cannot do that if we shelter ourselves completely from those who do not know God. (GOD didn't save us so that we could go up on a mountain and keep it to ourselves). We are to "go therefore into all the world and preach the gospel"

We are to be a light to our neighbors, co-workers, classmates,etc.

At the same time we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.(Those who have not been born again). The Bible tells us that bad company corrupt good morals. It is so true that we become like those we hang around with.

If we hang out with the world we will be desensitezed to sin, and tempted to follow their behavior.

If we spend a majority of our time with other believers, we will be encouraged, strengthened and held accountable in our walk with the lord.

"do not foresake the gathering of yourselves together, and all the more as the day approaches"

Christianity is not for the lone ranger.

As the Lord's representatives on earth, may we reach out to the lost, be an example of God's love in both word and deed.

May we pursue fellowship with other believers that we may continue to grow in our faith.

Final note: I have brothers at church that I may have only known for a short time who I am closer to than some in my family who are not saved.

It has been said that blood is thicker than water, but he Holy Spirit is thicker than blood.

When we have Jesus in common, we have everything in common.

[talitha]

amen, 4ujesus!

sheep like sheep

[SteelDisciple]

As Christians we are to be in the world but not of it. We are to minister to the world but have no fellowship with it.

Certainly we are here to know Jesus and to make him known to the lost.(the great commision), and we cannot do that if we shelter ourselves completely from those who do not know God. (GOD didn't save us so that we could go up on a mountain and keep it to ourselves). We are to "go therefore into all the world and preach the gospel"

We are to be a light to our neighbors, co-workers, classmates,etc.

At the same time we are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers.(Those who have not been born again). The Bible tells us that bad company corrupt good morals. It is so true that we become like those we hang around with.

If we hang out with the world we will be desensitezed to sin, and tempted to follow their behavior.

If we spend a majority of our time with other believers, we will be encouraged, strengthened and held accountable in our walk with the lord.

"do not foresake the gathering of yourselves together, and all the more as the day approaches"

Christianity is not for the lone ranger.

As the Lord's representatives on earth, may we reach out to the lost, be an example of God's love in both word and deed.

May we pursue fellowship with other believers that we may continue to grow in our faith.

Final note: I have brothers at church that I may have only known for a short time who I am closer to than some in my family who are not saved.

It has been said that blood is thicker than water, but he Holy Spirit is thicker than blood.

When we have Jesus in common, we have everything in common.

Friendship is often one of the most POWERFUL tools of witnessing. Your non-christians friends will see God work in you and in turn God will reach them through you.

Not every non-christian is a bad influence that will lead you down their path. If a friend is like that..gets into enviroments and situations that you know will start to influence you..then it's time to leave that relationship. Everyone has particular weaknesses...IE..if you were an alcoholic and the friends you have want to go to bars then if they are TRUE friends..they won't push you into going or even bring it up around you...if they are not so true and keep trying to get you to come with them...then it's time to leave because they were never really friends.

True friends won't try to make you go against your beliefs.

[phnx]

Yeah that's very true 4uJesus.

The main problem I have is that I lack non-christian friends not primarily because I choose to drop them, but vice versa. We don't seem to have much in common to talk about any more. To be honest i'd love to have more non-christians, atheists or whatever, just not really an option if they decide just because I don't want to get drunk and have sex with strangers!

[FollowingJesus]

Yeah that's very true 4uJesus.

The main problem I have is that I lack non-christian friends not primarily because I choose to drop them, but vice versa. We don't seem to have much in common to talk about any more.
That's how I feel...

Many of my friends engage in gossip, and backbiting (it's par for the course in the industry I'm in), and I don't really want to be around it.

There's also a TREMENDOUS amount of greed in my industry (and thus the people I associate with)...again, don't want to be around it.

I don't 'mind' if they're atheist, but my preference is to be around people who at least make the effort, or have the desire, to conduct themselves in ways that reflect Christian VALUES...even though we don't necessarily share the same BELIEFS.

[LynnMcG]

I just recently noticed that my Christian friends now outnumber my non-Christian friends. This didn't happen over night, but gradually I found as I've grown in Christ that I've just begun to lean toward activities and friends in my church. I feel comfortable with them and really enjoy their company.

I have found it necessary to either restrict or eliminate contact with some of my non-Christian friends. I have found that one group of friends thinks I'm stupid and narrow minded. I happen to have an above average IQ, but I don't need to be treated badly by people who I thought cared for me. I have another group of non-christian friends whom I love dearly and treat me as they always have (I've known them for 20 years but have been saved for 11). I hope to win them over to my side one day! But in the meantime, I still enjoy their company.

I don't think we should eliminate contact with non-Christians because we are light in the world. We can't hide our light under a bushel and we may very well be the only Christian contact these non-believers have in their lives. It's a big job, but we're called to do it.

[haya]

My closest friends are Christian because they edify me, sharpen me, encourage me to press on in the Lord. I love our conversations about God and life and the Bible, I love praying with these girls. My Christian girlfriends know me much better than my non-Christian friends (who are mostly coworkers) because they know my core beliefs and what excites me in life (God). My non-Christian friends (coworkers) only know a) I go to church, and b) I like Starbucks and good ethnic food. They don't really know me the way my Christian friends do.

[edb19]

My closest friends are Christian because they edify me, sharpen me, encourage me to press on in the Lord. I love our conversations about God and life and the Bible, I love praying with these girls. My Christian girlfriends know me much better than my non-Christian friends (who are mostly coworkers) because they know my core beliefs and what excites me in life (God). My non-Christian friends (coworkers) only know a) I go to church, and b) I like Starbucks and good ethnic food. They don't really know me the way my Christian friends do.

Haya - it's exactly the same with me.

Re: my co-workers knowing I go to church. Once at work one of the ladies said something about Baptists - made a generalization that wasn't exactly flattering (I don't even remember what the original comment was now). I mentioned that I was a Baptist. Her response, 'but you drink margaritas!' She truly believed that all Baptists abstain from alcohol (or at least say they do;))

But the ladies from my church - they KNOW me, inside and out. They pray for me, they pray for my family - they share my joys and sorrows. Can't ask for anything more than that.

edie

[Ratchet]

I think so.

[BalaamsAss51]

Hello FollowingJesus.

You posted - "I never thought I'd say this, but I'm feeling like I'm drifting apart from my non-Christian friends."
"It's not intentional, but I just don't feel that we have a similar 'foundation' in life."
"To be honest, I feel like I have more in common with people..."

I haven't read the other posts in this thread, but here's my 2 cents.
Our fellowship as Christians comes from our being redeemed by Christ, not because we like to do the same things or eat the same foods. There is no reason whatsoever why you should care to be around those you go to service with outside of church. Sure you may feel comfortable in church, may get to know some of them, get to be friendly with some, and participate in some activities with them. But that doesn't mean they come to the top of the list as people you'd like to spend most of your time with.

Those people who share your life experiences (culture, ethnic background, job, hobbies, etc.) are those we become closer to. In your words these are those to whom you have a "similar 'foundation' in life". You do have more in common with them. As you go through life you are to act out your Christianity among those you meet, your "neighbor". In church you rub shoulders with those who have also been gathered by God into His family but that doesn't mean you have to like them. Perhaps you are confusing love with like. We are supposed to love people, but it doesn't say we have to like them. Do you always like yourself? Be honest now.

Anyway, your response seems perfectly normal to me.

Pax

[soblessed53]

Yep, absolutely,after all we are family! :hug: :hug: :hug: :) :wave:

[FollowingJesus]

In church you rub shoulders with those who have also been gathered by God into His family but that doesn't mean you have to like them. Perhaps you are confusing love with like. We are supposed to love people, but it doesn't say we have to like them.
I'm actually not friends with ANYONE who attends my church, and didn't reference my church, so I'm unclear about that part of your post.:scratch:

My comment was regarding friendship with Christians, in general. (ie Our foundation being OUR BELIEFS, not the location of our WORSHIP.)

[buck]

I agree with you, God Christian friends are GREAT.
and I have many friends that aren't saved. I was raised in a hard core BP home in the country.
I remember the men at church with there up upi up stance, rocking back and forth on there feet.and my father a elder in the church.
We could not have any friends that didn't go to church. I have Two brothers couldn't go to school dances or movies,or the bowling center because it had a bar. I hated church. all I heard was church.
I quit going to church for about forty years. I'm back now at a little church and much easier on social standards.
I love the lord and love being back, but still leary of the puffup Christian thing I see.
You can be a christian without the show. That is what I am.

[MatthewR]

I have only one more friend than I had before.
He will never fail me.
He will never leave me.
He will always love me.
He will always hear me.
He will always strengthen me.
He will always guide me.
He is Jesus and He is my new friend.

[flyingsum0]

I would perfer to hang with Christians but most of my friends are non-Christian. I'm secure in my faith, they cant waver my beleif :) If they try they get the pile driver lol

You can pick your friends, but most of your best friends pick you...

[jsimms615]

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm feeling like I'm drifting apart from my non-Christian friends.

It's not intentional, but I just don't feel that we have a similar 'foundation' in life.

To be honest, I feel like I have more in common with people of other religions than I do with people who are atheist or agnostic. At least the others believe that there IS a God...so there's a good chance they'll come to believe in Jesus (or at least I hope :) )

I would like to be in a circle of friends and associates who think it's GREAT that I go to church 3x per week now...not friends who think I've 'gone off the deep end'.

What was your experience with others as you grew deeper in Christ?
I think it depends. Some unbelievers I have interacted with are nicer to me than some believers. Some believers are really legalistic and I would rather be around someone who is an unbeliever than someone like that.

[flyingsum0]

I agree with the brotha that posted above me

[SWigton87]

I am the same way. Most of the people that I spend time around are Christians. I do have several non-Christian friends, though. I wish to show Christ's love to all people, not just other members of the Body.

Also it's good to keep James 4:4 in mind, "a friend of the world is the enemy of God." Not that I would say to completely be abstinent of unsaved friendships, but don't prioritize them higher than your friendship with God =D

[VCViking]

Since your salvation, do you prefer to mainly be around Christians?


Yes!

[whateveristrue]

Well yes... naturally, people tend to stick with their own kind. As Christians, the ones closest to us should be Christians. And I must say, it is much healthier to be surrounded by Christians! A Christian who only hangs out with non-Christians will have problems growing.

However, I also believe we are called to love all people... for the sole purpose of bringing them into the light.

[bithiah2]

i have all types of friends. most of them are saved. but i have a few who are not. we are supposed to be a light to all, not just christians. Christ ate with publicans and sinners, but did not become one of them. but how would they know Him if he did not associate with them?
bithiah2
it all depends on where you are in the Lord, i believe.

[Neenie]

Most of my friends are non-Christians; I tend to get along with them allot better than I do with many christians.

[thunderlove]

Christ is the center of my life, and my faith impacts every aspect of my life. I'm not sure how to build meaningful friendships with those who don't accept the only thing in my life that has true meaning.


Sure there are superficial things ~ say, american football. But even then, our reactions to the game are radically different....

[Utah Knight]

i perfer christain friends

[Nadiine]

Christ is the center of my life, and my faith impacts every aspect of my life. I'm not sure how to build meaningful friendships with those who don't accept the only thing in my life that has true meaning.


Sure there are superficial things ~ say, american football. But even then, our reactions to the game are radically different....
Once again my friend, you have the same thoughts I do. (could be becuz of our accoutraments LOL) :P ^_^

But here's how it is for me - I had more non Christian friends... & as I've grown in the Lord & my faith means everything to me, I have less and less in common with non Christians anymore.

Basically, I've grown in different directions. Just 2 days ago, my girlfriend was sharing with me about the boyfriend she's going to live with when they get a house together.... she's already practically living w/ him at his apt. right now as it is; he has a 5 yr old daughter from a previous girlfriend.
So you can imagine how difficult it can be to keep a normal relationship. I don't preach at her - but it makes my point, how I have less in common with them anymore.
The topics they discuss, I could care less about anymore... & on it goes.

I MUCH prefer Christian friends - not that they're perfect; you just have to find someone on a similar spiritual level you are. It's like anyone else, finding the right person spiritually that you mesh with. Not EVERY Christian is fit for another in close relationships.

My concern would be more in someone who prefers the unsaved over Christians; imo that would say alot more about THEM than the Christians around them - being more comfortable w/ & having more in common w/ worldly people. :confused: :sorry:

[Normal]

i like having christian friends but also like the challenge of trying to get non-christian friends to see the 'light':preach:

[BustedFlat]

It is not about what I prefer. It is all about where God wants me to be.


In Jesus

[buck]

a lot has to do with the size of the church you go to verses the number of people you know.

[whatfor]

Interesting topic, I guess I still have the same friends but the way I act with them is different.
I mean I don't discuss the same things with them as I used to for example.
I found my interests have changed a bit too, I used to go fishing every weekend now I go to church or spend time at home more.
I also have many friends at church and do volunteer work helping at the church a couple of days a week.

[whateveristrue]

Interesting topic, I guess I still have the same friends but the way I act with them is different.
I mean I don't discuss the same things with them as I used to for example.
I found my interests have changed a bit too, I used to go fishing every weekend now I go to church or spend time at home more.
I also have many friends at church and do volunteer work helping at the church a couple of days a week.
perhaps you should try a different kind of fishing!

[chloe8982]

i have many friends some are christian and some are non christians. but my best friends are christian, i prefer to hang out with people that i concider family (ie: christians) rather then those that have different believes.

but even then i prefer to hang out with people that have some faith, even buddists then agnostics and athiests, because i can't understand them so it is hard to be true friends with someone that you can not understand a thing they say really.

with my non christian friends i talk to them about movies, sometimes music styles, and a variety of other things but i find the conversations with my non christians friends a waste a of time

anyway just my 2 cents.

[New_Wineskin]

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm feeling like I'm drifting apart from my non-Christian friends.

It's not intentional, but I just don't feel that we have a similar 'foundation' in life.

To be honest, I feel like I have more in common with people of other religions than I do with people who are atheist or agnostic. At least the others believe that there IS a God...so there's a good chance they'll come to believe in Jesus (or at least I hope :) )

I would like to be in a circle of friends and associates who think it's GREAT that I go to church 3x per week now...not friends who think I've 'gone off the deep end'.

What was your experience with others as you grew deeper in Christ?

My experience as I grew and am growing in Jesus is a bit mixed . Depending on the christian , I find myself being annoyed by most of them . The conservatives have so many strings attached to the friendship . Everything is analyzed by the Law - Law , Law , Law . If I don't go by *their* standard on anything , I get a lecture . The liberals are not much better . They have different agendas but still expect me to go along with whatever they do . Again , they practically insist that I follow their standard . The moderates seem to not wish to take a stance at all . I still have friends that are liberal , conservative , and moderate but they are much fewer than before and they all allow me to be me and attempt to understand where I am at on issues .

I still talk to those that used to be close friends but the discussions are usually short with little substance . At least , there are no quarrels and they are frienly . :) The friendships that are left are better than ever with real discussions and deep fellowship .

That being said , I have found that nonchristian friends are far more frindlier and helpful than almost all christians . There are no strings attached . They don't do nice things because the "bible" says so - they do things out of the heart . The Lord teaches me a lot through them ( even though they are not aware of it ) . :)

[Nadiine]

My experience as I grew and am growing in Jesus is a bit mixed . Depending on the christian , I find myself being annoyed by most of them
lol yes, this has been painfully obvious by most every post.
As from what I read, you just plain draw inference to eVERYTHING Christians do is forced or becuz of God rather than seeing them as normal human beings.
JUDGING in other words who they are becuz of their title.

The way to gain friendships IS TO BE FRIENDLY - you'll get more bees with honey than critique & judgment.

[whateveristrue]

lol yes, this has been painfully obvious by most every post.
As from what I read, you just plain draw inference to eVERYTHING Christians do is forced or becuz of God rather than seeing them as normal human beings.
JUDGING in other words who they are becuz of their title.

The way to gain friendships IS TO BE FRIENDLY - you'll get more bees with honey than critique & judgment.
Well, I see much of the same thing. However, Christians aren't supposed to be nice to people just because the Bible says so. A true Christian has experienced genuine transformation... and they have Christ's love in their heart; which shows on the outside... It's who they are, not just what they do.

[Nadiine]

Well, I see much of the same thing. However, Christians aren't supposed to be nice to people just because the Bible says so. A true Christian has experienced genuine transformation... and they have Christ's love in their heart; which shows on the outside... It's who they are, not just what they do.
and "by their fruits you shall know them". Exactly, a real Christian will have that inward transformation...

If someone's claiming to be your brother/sister yet are continually on the attack against the family of God, it should at least raise some question. :help: