God’s principle for living the Christian life involves both Christians and non-Christians. Spending time with other Christians provides encouragement to them while at the same time, gaining encouragement for oneself. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Spending time with non-Christians, especially in a church environment, affords them the opportunity of coming into a relationship with Christ themselves. Matthew 5:16 tells us, “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” The light referred to here is the light of Christ in our hearts as reflected in our behavior. This type of light can convict other peoples’ hearts: “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned” (Isaiah 9:2).

Think about the people you come into contact on a daily basis. Do you think people recognize Christian principles in your life? Do Christian friends complement you about some aspect of your Christian living? If so, then those who do not know Christ have an opportunity to come into a relationship with Him based on your Christian living. How else would they come into contact with Him? Do you think it really matters whether or not your non-Christian friends have a relationship with Christ?