Article January 15, 1996 ISSUE

Don't be afraid to introduce these friends

Wendy Louise Stevens

Picture yourself walking down the street with a friend. You meet someone you know and introduce him to your friend. They greet each other, maybe shake hands, all three of you chat a few moments and then continue on your ways. Perhaps the friends you introduced will meet again someday. Perhaps not. Were you afraid that one friend would reject the other? Did you expect these two friends of yours, who had just met, to become lifelong companions? Will you feel bad if they don't become good friends and spend a lot of time together?

Now think about other "friends." For many people these friends are certain books that they love. If you are into the study of spiritual issues, some of your best friends might be the Bible and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. These two books are a constant guide and support in life because they reveal the truth of a loving, ever-present God and of man as His perfect reflection. Mrs. Eddy even named them as the pastor of the Church she founded.

Now walk down that street again, and this time think of this pastor of the Church of Christ, Scientist, these two books, as the friend with you. You see another friend of yours—someone who has never met your pastor friend. That person may be struggling with a challenge of some sort. You know this pastor could help. There is no need to hesitate introducing the pastor to this friend. Your introduction will not be unsuccessful if the pastor and your friend do not hit it off immediately and spend many hours together. All you really need to do is make a gracious introduction and leave in God's care whatever relationship may develop between the pastor and your friend.

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