Ron Hutchcraft Ministries - What Do Seekers Need From You?

I'm writing today's blog with two assumptions: first, that you as the reader are following Jesus by faith. And second, that you have a burden to take your friends and loved ones to heaven with you. This may miss some of you. For others, it will be right on target.

When it comes to your relationship with people who are far from God, a good question to ask yourself is, "What do they really need from me as a Christ-follower?" Here's my take: I believe they need you to go to B.B.A.T.T. for them. No, it's not an accidental misspelling. And yes, it's probably the worst acrostic I've ever seen or used. But it will make my point.

Here's what it stands for:

Be willing to start a conversation. And when you are talking with people in everyday conversations, don't just listen to their words. Listen to their heart and listen with yours. As you are listening, look for bridges.

Bridge the conversation into something spiritual. I call this "going from Guacamole to Jesus." Here are some suggested bridges—ways to turn ordinary conversations into spiritual ones:

Ask...

"Would you consider yourself a person of faith?"
"Where do you feel like you are in your spiritual journey?"
"Has this caused you to think about spiritual things?"
"Has your faith played a role in getting you through this?"

And see what they have to say. Chances are, it will open them up to talk with you further about spiritual things if they know you care for them and feel they can trust you.

Avoid religious detours. Stick to Jesus. In spiritual conversations, people have the tendency to drift into topics like denominational differences, want to talk about their good works, and so on. But the best thing you can do for them is bring the conversation back to the person of Jesus and where they stand with Him. Then you can later address the other issues they may want to discuss.

Try to leave the door open for future conversations about Jesus. Remember, they are your friend, not your project. Your ongoing relationship with them will be a magnet for them if they sense you truly love them and have their best interests in mind.

Trust Jesus for the results. I can give you plenty of examples of spiritual conversations I have had with people that simply did not result in a person making a commitment of their life to Jesus. But that's not my job. That's between them and God. I'm just the delivery boy of the Message. What they do with the Message is up to them.

Isn't it time you went to B.B.A.T.T. for your friends and loved ones?