I'm the Only Christian....

[rizen1]

I’m the only Christian in my family.
My parents think my faith is a big joke.
How can I get them to take me seriously?
NLT Student Devotional

There are many difficult sayings of Jesus in the New Testament.

Matthew 10:34-39 is one of the toughest.
What does Jesus mean when he says 'Your enemies will be right in your own household' (Matt 10:36)?

Jesus is not telling us to disobey parents or to try to cause problems at home. He simply means that a person with different goals and values may cause division in a household. Rarely will the only Christian in a household go unchallenged.

The best course of action is to avoid trying to 'make' your parents see anything. Instead, just live your life in obedience to them as the Bible commands: '‘Honor your father and mother.’ This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, ‘things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth’' (Eph 6:2-3).

Is it your job to make your parents change? Nope. Only the Holy Spirit can do that. Check it out: 'When he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment' (John 16:8). You are simply to be God’s representative in your home. Maybe someday you’ll have the joy of seeing your family turn to Christ.

 

[trulyblezzed]

Wow Sis! Praise God! Thank you soooo much for posting this! I constantly have girls in my youth group telling me their parents hate the fact they go to church. They don't understand why we do what we do. They don't understand why we change the radio station to something Christian.

Everything in this article is what I've been telling them and now I have something in writing. You are the bomb sis. Thank you so much!

 

[Ann]

Yes this is great, being the only Christian in my household but being married with children, I also apply this towards my husband and children.
When I do get an oppurtunity I speak to my children but my husband is not interested so I honour him as the head of the house and live by example.

Thanks for posting.

Blessings!

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

"No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." John 6; 44

There are a lot of scriptures that tell us that the cross we take up is not soft and fluffy. When parents, brothers, sisters, children , etc. knock you and can not understand you, rejoice....but rejoice in Him whose name you carry, Jesus Christ.
Beware too that you do not just be a good and nice person, thinking there is any witness in that. Sure, an upright person is worthy of a good reputation, and is all very well.....BUT, do not be ashamed of the name of Christ Jesus, and do not hide your light.
Anyone can be a good person. Even 'sinners' know how to love each other, and their own...in fact, the average 'sinner' as the unsaved are referred to, meaning those who are not born-again Christians, yes, the average 'sinner' put most believers to shame with their dedication and love for their family.
So do not rely on 'normal' family kindness to be of any heavenly use.
We need to go beyond the norm. This is where the Spirit of God gives life.
Turning the other cheek, blessing those who mock you, going the extra mile not counting the cost or time, for those who rubbish you for your faith that they don't understand. It is of no value to do good to those who do good to you....meaning, that is easy to do.
Another vital part of your Christian life is the power of God. If we try and fit in and not rock the boat, we become lukewarm. Are you filled with the Spirit? If so, pray for your family who reject your faith....and seek the manifestation of the gifts of the Spirit. We have not been given a spirit of timidity and feebleness. Believe that the power of God will manifest in your life as a testimony of Jesus in your life.
I am not saying to peach at your family, nor harrass them into believing. There is a fair chance you do not even know the truth in words of truth, so rather, say little and back it up with faith in God...allow Him to justify His name.
You are a minister. But remember you are not God.
You are a child of the Most High and are called by His name. Stand strong.
Think of Daniel and his three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They had more than family to contend with. Do you want to be soft and fluffy in your faith, or, men and women who are known for the God they serve?
You see, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. When the Spirit of God is manifested through you, fear replaces ridicule. And people fear when they witness the power of God in Jesus name...because they don't understand...they can not comprehend.
Allow yourself to be mocked, and carry your head high for Jesus...He will glorify His name.
One last point....do not sit in judgement...do not point out faults...do not tell your family they are going to hell...none of these things are yours to say...you are required to overlook sin in love and forgiveness, and to believe in Him whom the Father has drawn you to...Jesus Christ.

Bless you,

Br. Bear

ps... Christianity is not a popularity contest.
also, You are a light shining in the darkness...shine!
and Things like changing the radio station to a Christian song channel is nice for you...for you to enjoy...for you to feed on....but remember it is your light in you, Jesus Christ the Lord that needs to shine...not the songs on the radio.
Blessings in Jesus name....><>