Do i have to tell everyone i know that I'm a christian?

[Timeo]

I became a christian about 6-8 years ago, at that time i smoked a lot of hash, and i also expeerimented alot with other kinds of religions and occult stuff. I actually realized that christinity was the truth when i was stoned. Me and a friend started to talk about Jesus, and both of us felt really different when talking about christian things. So i told most my friends that i became a christian when i was stoned. I was really confused at that time, the way i experienced reality was all messed up. So most people just laughed at me. After i stopped doing drugs i got into a period of deep depression and i almost killed my self. So i lost the faith and started doing drugs again, this time not just pot, but also all sort of pills and amphetamine. After a while i met a girl, got a child with her, and i started thinking of christianity again, so this is basically where i am now. I don't meet the friends i used to have anymore, and I'm thinking it has to do with me calling myself a christian. I got some new frinds that i was doing drugs with, but i know they don't like christianity, one of them talked for years about he wanted twins, then his girlfriend got pregnant with twins, but they died a few months before birth. So he cursed god in a terrible way about this. The other people i know only think christianity is something really weird and that christians are just fakes. So I have problems when i think about telling them what i belive in. So what should i do, should i tell them and loose these friends as well. Or should I wait and see if the right moment for it comes? And how about people generally that does not show any interest for christianity, is it the will of God that i talk about Jesus to people that will turn down what i say anyway? I don't have any problems about talking about it if people show interest in talking about it though.

[Natural1]

I can only speak personally...I've been okay without friends all these years, especially when I have family around. I guess I'll keep my advice simple in that you only truly have to worry about your child (and her mother, if you're together) and not what your friends may think. The main question you should ask yourself, who has done & will do more for you, your friends or God?

[Timeo]

The main question you should ask yourself, who has done & will do more for you, your friends or God?

Of course God is more important then my friends, and if they dont like me anymore because I'm a christian, then it is their loss. But my point is rather that i want to let my friends know that I'm a christian, but everyting in my struggles against this when i know i will feel like a fool. I have no idea how to say it, cause i know exactly what they will think - that I am brainwashed or something.

I also want to talk more to my brother and father about it, they only care about making money and enjoying life. I tried before, and wish i could talk some more about what christianity really is, but like is said: everything in me struggles against this. It would feel almost like i said I am Adolf Hitler reborn or something.

[Kristen.NewCreation]

Hi Timeo,

Congratulations on coming back to Christ! :clap:

I think there are two issues I can address in your post. First, being a Christian is not always telling anyone, it's showing people by your example. When you live as a Christian and life the lifestyle of a Christian (which of course focuses on Christ and making our lives more like Him) they will see that. When you quit doing drugs, it becomes evident there is a change. When people ask why you quit, it's an opportunity to share that you became a Christian.

The second issue though, is the drugs. When we stop using, many times we lose friends because that was the primary part of our relationships. It is common to lose friends because you aren't doing the same thing that created the bond of the relationship. It's important to make friendships that aren't based on drugs, but on Christ.

As a new Christian, this is a time for you to grow and become strong in your faith. Find a Bible study or men's group where you can learn and become solid in your faith. I believe that as we grow and become the people that God wants us to be, He tells us or shows us what He wants us to do, and we are sensitive to know when we should talk to others.

In Him,
Kristen

[Father Rick]

Jesus said that if we deny Him before men that He will deny us before the Father.

Now, does that mean that we have to tell everyone we meet that we're a Christian? No, not necessarily. There's a difference between just not telling someone something and trying to hide/deny something.

There's a famous quote by St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel at all times. Use words when absolutely necessary." Even though I'm a priest, if I meet someone in town in street clothes, they may not know right off that I'm a Christian (much less a priest). I'm just some guy shopping at Wal-mart in jeans and tshirt. I don't open every conversation with "Hi! I'm Father Rick and I'm a Christian". However, if we becoming friends eventually the subject will come up.

I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week and there are people there that I've known for several months now that we've never discussed anything religious... and as far as I know they have no idea I'm a priest (since I'm in gym clothes). I'm not hiding anything at all-- but our conversations are usually something to the effect of "how many sets are you doing?" or "Is the steam room fixed yet?" Eventually, the door will open and I will share with them... as I said, I'm not hiding anything, but we just haven't discussed it. And when the subject does eventually come up, I hope what they have seen in my life so far is a positive reflection of Christ.

[Lisa0315]

Father Rick is right. Let God open the door for you. You must live a Christian life. In other words, if Jesus wouldn't do it, then, neither should you. Show your friends the change in you. When they ask what has happened to you, smile and tell them about your faith.

I sense a missing piece in your walk though. The power is missing which tells me that you have not fully submitted your life to Christ. Please do not take this the wrong way. It is something that I struggle with as well. In order to have boldness with your friends and before the throne of God, we must be completely committed. It is a lesson that I have to learn over and over and I doubt that it comes easy for any Christian.

Lisa

[Timeo]

Thanks father Rick, it felt like your explanation solved the issue i had. I don't belive that i will have any problems with telling what i belive in if the place and time is right, and i really doubt i will deny Jesus and say that i do not belive in him or agree on those mocking. So i guess i got the right attitude.

I sense a missing piece in your walk though. The power is missing which tells me that you have not fully submitted your life to Christ. Please do not take this the wrong way.


Yes Lisa, your right, i got problems as a christian, and I have posted these in other sections of the forum. I hope my problems will solve, so i can fully live as a christian and not halfway like now.

[Natural1]

I know what you're going through. My own father is a staunch athiest, he even told my wife on our wedding day "I'm happy for you both, but only thing I wish you don't turn my son into a Christian".
But recently when I did tell him I was now a member of a good church, he was happy for me. Hopefully in your case, your father & brother as family will be happy you're happy.
As far as your friends, well you don't have to preach to them, just tell them what you've found to become happy. Like everyone else said, it's best to live by example rather than trumpeting your own faith (people may feel you're trying to be self-righteous and "better than them").
I'm going thru some of the same things as a new Christian myself (and am a former marijuana addict of 15 years also) . It's hard to always know when to speak up and who & what to keep in your life and who & what to let go.