Open and Honest

I just spent a month in an environment where I didn't have much interaction with fellow followers of Jesus. And to be entirely honest, it was refreshing. Actually, very refreshing.

I interacted with several friends who, although they believe in God, don't necessarily follow Him. And it was these interactions which were refreshing to my soul. It was sweet fellowship. Which I didn't realize could happen. I'm guessing you're beginning to wonder where I'm going with this... 

What I realized in the midst of my time with friends who aren't following Jesus is: They are open and honest. They're not worried about what others are thinking about their life choices, or how they can hide behind religious laws, nor are they bogged down with conforming to others religious ideas just because they don't want to disturb the calm. They are open and honest.

I also realized, I'm usually not open and honest. I hold back. I don't give my all because I fear what others will think of my life choices. I hide behind routine and religious law, instead of wholly embracing the Gospel of Jesus. I'm afraid to disturb the supposed calm around me. I'm not open and honest.

I was faced with sweet fellowship and conviction of heart, because my non-Jesus-following friends are open and honest. They were used of God to impact me. And it made me wonder...

What would happen if the church were more open and honest?