This was shared 7 times on Facebook. That’s a lot for me. I thought I would share it here too.
I got an email today from a man who wants to stop living a nominal Christian life, and his initial efforts are being discouraged by his wife and church. I wrote this to him:
I do not have a rebuke for you; I have a plan for you. It would help to know where you live. If you are in the United States, then you have options.
I am going to tell you what I tell a lot of other people. It doesn’t matter all that much what you do on Sunday morning. If you find a great church service to attend, that is awesome, but if you don’t, no matter. According to the Bible (Hebrews 10:24-25), the real essence of Christian fellowship is getting to know one another, provoking each other to love and good works, and encouraging one another. You can do that on any day of the week; you just have to find people to do it with.
The Bible says, “Pursue faith, love, peace, and righteousness along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22). Your job is to find people who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. God will help you find them. Pray and ask him.
Your wife may not like it, but you cannot let that deter you. You also cannot let her opposition get you angry. We are called to lead our wives. That is LEAD, not RULE. Lead good; rule bad. Leading means you set an example for her to follow, both in your fellowship and in your love and patience toward her. As you find people to pursue faith, love, righteousness, and peace with, ask them to pray for you to be the best husband that has ever existed. Love your wife; cherish her; speak kindly to her even when she opposes you. Set an example of godliness and love that cannot be spoken against.
That is my suggested plan. I can also give you some Bible study suggestions if you want, but the most important thing is that you start reading your Bible. If it is hard to find time, use your breaks at work. There are lots of Bible study plans online or in Bible apps for your phone.
So, feel free to write back. I will be praying for you.
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