The Hardest Drive
It’s the most difficult drive I regularly make and, sometimes, I force myself to make it.
It’s the drive near–or through–a neighborhood that I used to get invited to, but haven’t in a long time. It’s the drive near–of by–a house that I used to frequent, but haven’t in a long while.
And I have no idea why.
But it’s the same kind of drive that many Christians make in various neighborhoods in every location every day, so this is not really about me or about any particular house.
So many Christians work and pray and visit and try to help a brother or sister in Christ who is struggling, only to see that Christian fall away and not worship or be involved any longer. Sometimes there is an explanation given, but, more often, there is none–or not much of one. All those Christians are left shaking their heads and asking what they could have done differently. Should I have said something sooner? Did I do something wrong? Did I forget something important? Did I try too hard to win them back? Was I pushy or not pushy enough?
And now, on a daily commute or a regular trip through town, they drive by the house or the neighborhood. Each time, they wonder if they should stop, or if doing so would do more harm than good. Many times, they shed a tear, or at least feel emotions deep within. They think about texting or calling when they get near the neighborhood, but question themselves each time, wondering if it will help or if it will push that person even further away.
And it hurts. It hurts deeply.
It hurts for one reason: that’s a brother or sister in Christ, and you love them more than maybe even they realize. You’d do anything to help them get to heaven, and you have no idea what to do. Every time your wheels turn even within a block or two of the house, you wonder if today should be the day you try again…or if they even care any longer.
And it makes it the hardest drive of your day.
Brother or sister in Christ, don’t ever make someone else have to feel that way. Stay connected to your church family. Be involved. Show love and care. Return those texts or calls, even if it takes a few minutes of your time that you aren’t sure you have. That Christian loves you and just wants you to go to heaven. Realize you would do the same if the roles were reversed.
Oh…and have them over sometime, even if just for a glass of lemonade or to watch a game. That drive is sweeter than can be imagined because the bonding of Christian family is like no other relationship on earth.
AUTHOR: Adam Faughn
