Families, friends, faith and festivals (or holidays)

As we rapidly approach Thanksgiving, then all the hoopla that is the pre-Christmas build up, followed by the big day itself, not to mention Happy New Year, we often collide head on with family and friends who share not the faith. Most of the time this is o.k. but we all know that there are numerous stories to the contrary.

For many families the easy way out is to focus on the secular. This involves a kind of neutral zone where only the surface stuff of holidays and family gatherings are fair game. Any undue recognition of faith immediately disqualifies you from all the reindeer games.

Of course the other side of the coin is faith wars, where over zealous people of faith forget the core teachings of Christ and wage war, focusing on winning the minds and hearts of all gathered. Usually, the most devout is often the most loud and that just leads to hurt feelings and easy dismissal.

How far we have come from that recognition in Scripture; see how much those Christians love one another!

Many times those of sincere faith have to understand the example of living a Christian life is the best example. Loud arguments or misguided faith arguments, often times not the true teaching of the faith, miss the mark. Charity, understanding and compassion is the duty of the Christian. And here is the tough part; it is not necessarily a bad thing to dispute or refute sinful behavior.

When we are confronted with family or friends who wishes to flaunt sinfulness or attack your faith, you have options. We know Christ taught to turn the other cheek. If you can do that then bear that boldly and offer it to Him. If you can't, know your boundaries and get the heck out of there.

Some of you will find yourselves in the upcoming holidays with a renewed faith or a deeper faith and others will accuse you of changing, not being yourself or you are now that holy roller. How quickly we wish to respond: the life I live I no longer live for me but for Christ. Again, can you grin and bear it, gently and humbly give a defense of the faith or will this get you angry. Know your boundaries.

And in all times and all things, pray. Always carry prayer with you for those who need your prayers. Be sincere in prayer. Truly offer to the Father those who are struggling with faith.

I have found over the years that I can still enjoy the company of those who do not share the faith or participate in the faith. I do struggle with those who embrace sin and flaunt it and try to make a scene over it. You always get the half-told story of the woman bein stoned and reminded that Jesus or anyone else never tossed that first stone. What usually is missing is the rest of the story. Jesus tells her, go and sin no more.

So no easy answers in this entry tonight. Just lots of prayers and best wishes that if you find yourself in any of these situations this holiday season, you can grin and bear it, treat everyone as Christ would, defend your faith in charity and humility and pray unceasingly for those who need to discover God's love for them.

And most importantly, be a shining example of that which you believe and preach; walk the walk, especially if you talk the talk!