What to do with Non-Christian Friends?

Being saved in my late twenties virtually all of my friends are non-Christians or non-practicing Christians. How do I stay true to myself? Follow my Savior? And lead my friends to him?

I am currently reading The Books of Paul and if you read 2 Cor 6:14-18 you could come to the conclusion that you should toss them aside or leave them behind.

But my heart and my Spirit tell me this is not right. We are taught by The Great Commission to make disciples of all nations. Surely we must feel obligated to start near home. Yet Jesus himself was not welcome by his own. (Mark 6:1-6) So we must be mindful that those who knew us as peers will be judgmental of our conversion and our new beliefs.

When I look at many of my friends, I think that they could not be ready to hear. But was I? Would they have thought I was ready to listen? To Believe that Jesus died for me? No way. Yet I find myself often in deep thoughtful conversations about life, God, and faith. And I feel the words roll of my tongue as if I had not said them.

Just a week ago or so, I was having a few drinks after work. My friends and I were celebrating my birthday. Now, I believe that it is not sinful to have a few beers, but I also acknowledge that drinking to drunkenness is clearly a sin. This night I went a little too far and have asked for forgiveness for my weakness.

But while I was there, almost at the end of the evening I had one of my best conversations. My friend who is seeking the Lord asked me about my faith, my testimony and more. We exchanged a few words and I think he was clearly encouraged.

So should I have been in the bar in the first place? Should I still spend much of my time with these non-Christian friends. These are my best friends. Men who would give their life for me and I for them. I will try to take them wherever I go, and my path is with Christ.

Paul also says in 1st Corinthians 10:27 that he has no issue with enjoying the company of non-Christians or non-believers. Right now I am feeling strongly that I am a positive influence in their lives. But sometimes the venue or language or activity drops below where I should go. Often I stop and leave or argue successfully against this path, but sometimes I am also brought back down to my human nature.

So what to do? Jesus says in Mathew 11:16-24 that "wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it." Therefore if by staying with my friends, I play some small part in their salvation, then in the end this will be judge to be wise. But if instead I am stunting my development as a Christian by remaining in my current circles, then it will be judged to be folly.

How can I know today? Please help me to find more guidance here in scripture. Is it simply my human nature that will not allow me to give up my friends? Or is it that I truly believe that my example helps. If all Christians leave their friends behind and spend their time in Christian fellowship, how will their light shine before non-Christian men and women?

Thanks for reading. I am also curious to get some input on other born-again views of social drinking, so please post those as well.

Sincerely,

Won Christian

You can also read a great thread on this topic at Crosswalk!