That’s okay! You can still be a good example to them by showing Christian principles of faith, honesty, kindness, forgiveness, patience, and joy. While we should not be afraid or embarrassed to tell others about Jesus or God’s wonderful future plan, we also shouldn’t force our beliefs on others.
1 Peter (3:15, English Standard Version) says, “…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…”
Daniel was an amazing example who kept praying even though it was against a new law of the Medes and Persians. Not only that, but his faith and devotion to God encouraged a proud king to respect the one true God!
Darius was the king of the Medo-Persian empire. Impressed with Daniel’s character, he appointed him to be a supervisor in a very high position. Men who were jealous of Daniel tricked the king into signing a law that said anyone who prayed to anyone besides the king would be thrown to the lions. But Daniel didn’t change his habit of praying three times a day to God. Because the law couldn’t be changed, the king reluctantly ordered Daniel to be thrown into the lion’s den. Worried about Daniel, he couldn’t sleep all night. When morning came, he hurried to check on Daniel, who was alive and safe! He told the king that God had sent His angel to shut the lions’ mouths.
King Darius then sent a message out to people of every race, nation and language, saying, (Daniel 6:26, NLT) “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and He will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His rule will never end.”
Just as when Darius’ message informed all the people in his day about God, eventually, everyone in the future will also know who God is. Hebrews (8:11, ERV) says, “Never again will anyone have to teach their neighbors or their family to know the Lord. All people – the greatest and the least important – will know me.”
Habakkuk also (2:14 NLT) says, “For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will (read as shall in VO) be filled with an awareness of the glory of the LORD.“
So, what if your friends don’t believe in God? That’s ok! Even if they have different beliefs or no beliefs at all, that won’t stop you from praying, increasing your faith, studying, and copying the life of Jesus as best you can. Maybe there’s a King Darius in YOUR life who will see your Christian example and rejoice because of it!
This video is from Christian Questions Podcast. For more information please go to https://christianquestions.com
