THIS WAS MY PERSPECTIVE BEFORE I DECIDED TO LIVE FOR GOD. JUST 13 YEARS AGO I DID NOT EVEN KNOW WHO GOD WAS, AND TRUTHFULLY DID NOT CARE. I WAS SKEPTICAL AND SUSPICIOUS ABOUT THE WHOLE THING, BUT YOU KNOW...WE ALL HAVE TO START SOMEWHERE. READ ON, YOU MAY BE SURPRISED WHAT YOU FIND.
Okay I'm not a Christian, but I’ve finally
made the decision to come to your church this Sunday. Don’t expect much from me
though. If something comes up I might not, but right now I’m planning on it. I
feel like I need to go, but I’m not sure why. I want to tell you a few things
about myself before you meet me.
1. I'm not going to understand
religious language or phrases so be aware of that when we talk. I don’t understand slain in the
spirit, God is moving in me, covered in the blood, Holy Ghost, you just need to
be in the Word, what you need is a new life, etc. If we have conversation
filled with religious talk, I'm probably not going to understand half of the
words...and maybe think you're a little crazy.
2. When you ask me how I’m doing,
know that I don’t trust you.
I’m probably going to lie and tell you I’m fine. It’s not that I don’t want to
tell you; it’s just that I come from some pain and am not sure if I trust you
yet. How about you tell me your story first? Why are you here? Don’t tell me I
need to change, tell me about the change in you. If I like you and get the vibe
that you’re not trying to capture my soul or anything, I’ll tell you my story.
3. I’ve got pretty rough language
and I can be bitter and angry about some things. If I sense in you a mindset of superiority,
I’m out. If you are just waiting for your turn to talk instead of truly
listening to me, I’m not going to be interested. Don’t expect me to be exactly
like you.
4. Don’t make a big deal of
introducing me to everyone you know.
I understand a couple of people, but please; don’t set up a welcoming line. I’m
just there to check it out; I need a bit of space.
5. I’m going to be looking for
genuine interest in me. Please
be real. I don’t want to feel like your personal salvation project or be a
notch on your “I saved one” belt. If this Jesus is who you say he is, then I’m
looking forward to seeing Him in you. That’s how it works, right?
6. I’m going to have questions. I need truth, not your preferences or your
religion, so can you just tell me what the bible says?
7. I need to feel welcomed.
Is there a time limit or something on my
visit before I'm supposed to feel unwelcomed? I mean, I’ve been to other
churches and there seemed to be a push for me to make up my mind or something.
How long until I’m unwelcomed?
Thanks for hearing me out. I’m pretty sure
I’m going to come this Sunday. But I might not.
