God’s Plan For Sharing
By Jon Sapp
July 2010
Are you intentional in the relationships God gives?
Spring has come and gone and now summer is here! These days provide increasing opportunities to get our lives next to our neighbors, friends, acquaintances and the general public. This summer as you work in your yard, play in the sun, or go to sporting events you will rub shoulders with those you may not know very well. As these beginning relationships cross your life, you have new opportunities to develop friendships and to share of your faith. So, what should you be intentional about?
First, intentionally see these relationships as gifts from a loving Heavenly Father. Be aware of those He is placing in your way. He wants to enrich your life. He desires to broaden your worldview and cultural understanding as you learn to develop these relationships. He will use you in “…your everyday, ordinary life – your sleeping, eating, going-to-work and walking-around life” as you “…place it before God as an offering.” (Romans 1:1, The Message) These relationships are gifts that God will use in your life.
Second, intentionally develop and grow your casual acquaintances and relationships. As you work in your yard, greet your neighbors, visit with them, and ask them about their lives. As you attend the little league game look for opportunities to listen to and learn about those sitting around you. Most of us love to share about ourselves, but casual times together challenge us to be learners and listeners of others. In Luke 9:23 Jesus challenges us to “…deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Follow the leadership of God in your relationships. Also, remember that this could impact eternal destiny. As you review those God is bringing into your life, ask yourself, “Do I know their eternal destiny?”
Third, intentionally be ready to share of the hope within you. (I Peter 3:15) Peter challenges the growing church to be ready to share and give an account to everyone who asks. Are you prepared? Do you know how to share about your personal relationship with the living God, both how it began and how it is growing?
I trust that this summer as you vacation, garden, attend sporting events or whatever you do, see God’s hand around your life. God has brought around you these acquaintances and relationships you will enjoy this summer. Will you intentionally see God’s gifts in them, grow and nurture them and be prepared to share with them your treasure of knowing God. As you look at your relationships in this way you are experiencing one more element of God’s Plan for Sharing.
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