Steve Massey: Christians should introduce their ever-present friend

It delighted me to bump into a good friend recently, but I puzzled over his failure to introduce the man standing next to him.

As my friend and I chatted about what we’d been up to in the weeks since we’d last seen each other, his buddy just stood there, awkwardly listening and smiling.

The conversation ended quickly. Guys are that way.

And I never got to meet the silent third party.

It occurs to me that Christians sometimes handle friendship with Jesus the same way. Many times we neglect to introduce others to him; he is right here with us, yet often he’s ignored in our interactions with people who really need to know him.

Don’t worry. I’m not about to suggest we all go knock on doors and ask complete strangers to “find God.” If you’re into that sort of thing, that’s fine.

It’s just that our friendship with Jesus is the most exciting thing going in our lives. At least it ought to be.

And we routinely encounter folks – friends, family members, neighbors – who would gladly be introduced to him. But for some reason, Jesus remains the silent third party.

No, I’m not just pointing fingers at you.

God’s word tells me that I have been chosen, in part, to reveal his glory to the world: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. …” (1 Peter 2:9 – NKJV).

The “you” being addressed in that verse is anyone who believes Jesus died for their sins and trusts in him (1 Peter 2:7). In other words, genuine Christians.

Believers’ lives can and should tell of Jesus, who has saved us from sin and given us the hope of eternal life. We have the unique privilege of being God’s distinct people through faith in his son. And he has set us apart so that others might be drawn to him.

Jesus said it like this during the Sermon on the Mount: “You are the light of the world. … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).

You know, I really enjoy introducing people to my wife, because I love her dearly and I’m proud of her. It’s a joy, not a burden, to tell people how we met.

I don’t get nervous or uptight about it; it comes quite naturally.

My life is so much different – so much better – with Pam in it. After nearly 18 years of marriage, I’m still excited about her.

The Bible reminds me that my relationship with Jesus is like a marriage. In fact, God used that analogy through the prophet Jeremiah to wake up his people, who had become bored with him and stopped shining his light in the world: ” ‘Turn, O backsliding children,’ says the Lord; ‘for I am married to you. …’ ” (Jeremiah 3:14).

Christian friend, think about this: Are you excited about your marriage to Jesus? Does the story of his love and saving grace flow with ease from your lips?

Or do you get anxious and tight-lipped when it comes time to tell the story of how you met?

Don’t be hesitant to mention his name to others. Jesus is the best thing going in your life.

And one day, every person you know will also know Jesus – either as their friend or their judge: “… at the name of Jesus every knee should bow … and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:10-11).

Don’t let Jesus be the silent third party in your life.

Tell others how you met him. Tell them how your life is immeasurably better than it could ever be without him.

That’s the truth, isn’t it?