CORDIAL CONVERSATION

Yesterday my husband and I spent a delightful evening with very dear friends. As we talked about everything imagineable around the dinner table, the conversation eventually turned to things of a spiritual nature. We were all uplifted and encouraged by one another's thoughts and comments.

Then one of our little group remarked, "We can't talk this way with most of our Christian friends. They're seemingly not interested." And I agree. The majority of people nowadays, Christians included, can talk a mile a minute about everything under the sun -- not to mention gossip -- but often clam up if the topic turns to religious matters.

I recall one dear Christian sister who often stated, "My religion is a private matter." She was an excellent conversationalist, funloving, a marvelous cook, faithful in her church attendance, not only sang in the choir but also sang duets with her husband. But she drew the line at discussing things in the spiritual realm.

Philippians 1:27 directs, "(L)et your conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ . . . " Scripture teaches us to encourage one another not only by living godly lives and by doing good deeds, but also by our conversation.

How refreshed, spiritually, my husband and I felt as we returned home last night inspired and strengthened in the inner man after an open and challenging conversation with mutual friends in the faith.

My challenge to you is: Dare to share with others this year what the Lord is doing in your lives, thereby opening the door for them to relate experiences in their lives that honor and glorify the God of Heaven. You'll both be blessed and exhilarated by Godly conversation, for it exalts the Gospel of Christ.

Preacher's Kid