One of husband’s closest friends growing up has continued to be a good friend in the decades since. He and his wife had five children of their own and also adopted 15 other children who were cast-offs because of physical and mental problems. Each child was welcomed and well loved. Husband’s friend is a role model for me- nope, I sure don’t want to adopt 15 children! But he’s my example of bringing God into conversations with strangers, friends, and family. His intention is to point people’s thoughts Godward. He is never obnoxious. He always listens to the other person. He simply opens the door for a ‘spiritually significant conversation’. (That term is from a friend and it expresses what I long for. Thanks, Joyce!). I want to initiate spiritually significant conversations, but I have to overcome my fears to get there. You see, I’m writing about this subject because I need to improve (a lot!) in this area. I’m a people pleaser and I want everybody to be happy and get along. I don’t want to rock the boat and get anyone upset.
Thinking about the topic of not being embarrassed to talk about God this week has already helped me be on the alert for opportunities to overcome my fears for the sake of others. If I really cared about the people I talk to, I’d take every chance I got to bring God into our conversations.
When I was growing up, social mores forbid polite conservations to include politics, money, or religion. I know this cultural taboo has held me back from doing what God’s Word clearly teaches. Instead, I’m often more concerned with being viewed as unoffensive than I’m concerned with another’s wellbeing. So shallow. What’s more important, my appearances or their good?! I know I haven’t seized many opportunities for putting in a word for God because of fear of offending. Or more honestly, fear of rejection. But I know that God clearly commands us not to hide truth about him from others. Few people will hold it against us if we humbly and honestly share our own experiences of trusting God.
“Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story, those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.” Psalm 107:2
“But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.” Psalm 73:28
Just in case you’re like me and worry about whether talking about God would turn off the majority of not-yet believers, let me share this recent survey. I think it will encourage you to be brave. Last week dear Husband read me this survey taken by LifeWay Research of 2,000 unchurched participants. “Of those interviewed, many said that they would listen if their friend talked about religion and that they think often about the meaning of life, but do not care much regarding what happens after death.”
“As many as 79 percent said that they would not mind listening to a friend who values their faith to talk about it. Some 18 percent said they would mind.”
“About 47 percent of the Americans discussed religion freely if it is mentioned in a conversation, and 31 percent listened without responding, but another 11 percent liked to change the subject.”
We live in a messed-up world, yet maybe that is precisely why a majority of our unchurched friends are willing to listen to us when we get over ourselves and open up about our faith in God. I’m good at sighing about the sadness we see around us, but not so good at saying something for the Lord. But we can lift others up and shine light into their day simply by acknowledging the Lord. We never know who needs a positive thought during their otherwise hard day. This is true for our conversations with other believers as well as with those who don’t believe yet. Just mentioning that I’m thankful to God for something could be a stepping stone for the conversation to go to a deeper place. It may not happen immediately, but I’ve opened the door for future conversations when they are ready. 
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” Psalm 9:1
If we’re good listeners, we will hear the pain points of those who don’t yet believe. We demonstrate compassion if we mention the one Person who will walk with them and help them always. Perhaps they are in a place where they’re now willing to ask for help from God.
“So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:8
I have the fear that talking about God and Jesus, in particular, can be an unpopular topic and some people will ridicule the idea and me. Yet I know that my responsibility is only to offer. Their response is their business.
“but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2
“But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” Romans 10:14
“he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ.” Ephesians 3:8
Talking to our children or grandchildren should come naturally as we walk through our days together. But I fall short with my grandchildren. I worry that I’ll step on their parents’ toes if I talk about Jesus. I guess I don’t give their parents enough credit for being the kind, understanding, and patient people they are!
“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.” Psalm 78:4
So what keeps you from talking about God?