Get out of the "Holy Huddle" and get in the game

What can I say?  I love hanging out 
with my Christian friends.  
They speak truth into me,
 look out for me, encourage me, 
and help keep me on track.  
I always walk away from our get-togethers with some extra pep in my step, that’s right, pep in my step.  
Plus hanging out with your Christian friends is Biblical – “As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.” – Proverbs 27:17 NLT
(Read article about Holy Huddle Hear)

I started this blog in June 2013 after our pastor at that time preached a message and used the phrase, "Get out of the 'holy huddle' and get in the game." I don't remember the entire message more than two years later but there is one thing I remember, he was speaking to Christians. Sometimes, not always, but often Christians will only do things with their "religious" friends and church family (holy huddle). 

Pastor challenged everyone in church that morning to "get out of the holy huddle" and spend time with the people around us. If you've attended VBS, read the Bible, or even sang a Veggie Tales song then you know Jesus hung with the lowest of low...even a tax collector. GASP! So why do we, as Christians tend to stick close to our church families and friends?

I have an idea, it's safe. If the only people we "hang" with are other Christians, do we truly believe the message we claim to live out? Are we really living our faith if we don't keep ALL our friends and family close and involved in our lives? I'll admit, in the beginning, there was a "pruning process" necessary. Sometimes the sin in one's life requires them to huddle with positive role models and mentors until strong enough to stand on their own. But at some point, we need to trust our faith, testimony, and God as we step out of the "holy huddle", aka, our comfort zone, and share how God worked in our life.

I don't want to be a Bible thumper and I don't recommend it to you either. If you thump people with an over zealous testimony and push them to accept Jesus, you might push them further in the opposite direction. Instead, live a life that models God's love, peace, healing, and working. To "see" Jesus working in and through you will mean more than any Bible verse thrust at someone with condemnation. Does this make sense? 

Many quoted Bible verses to me and attempted to guilt me into going to church and such but it was a child who reached my heart. He didn't wave his Bible at me, quote Bible verses, or demand I change. Instead, he told me I needed Jesus and invited me to church. God knew what and how I needed to hear this invitation. Some might need a Bible thumping but I think those are far and few between. People need to know you care for them and are hungry for positive relationships.

So let us all get out of the holy huddle and share the Good News through our thoughts, words, and deeds...not the memorized speech. Jesus and a friendship with Him aren't rehearsed...it's open, loving, and constant. Okay, getting off my soapbox! Have a great day!

“Alright Christians, huddle up!  We have a lot of people out there hurting, searching for that something that’s missing in their lives.  They don’t know Jesus because nobody has ever told them.  The Lord is looking for messengers to reach out to these people, messengers to bring the good news!  Christians, we are the messengers!  So when we break this huddle, let’s expand our relational circles!  Let’s reach out to those in need!   Let’s be the beautiful feet!  Alright messengers…..send me on three. 1-2-3 SEND ME!”
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Are you in the "Holy Huddle" or are you Living the Call?