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I can be comfortable with both....as long as they are 'real'. Since I lived in several SDA areas growing up, I became very suspicious of 'piety'. Now I will grant you that sounds like I am being judgemental, but it is just my sense in some situations and does not impact my friendship. I have always gravitated towards those on the 'fringe' because of they seemed more normal! Weird. I find respect with others towards different lifestyles. Do not feel compelled more or less to do something I feel is wrong. Just my independence in wanting to be my own judge of the situation. Everyone is different!!

I agree with Aubrey. Sometimes Christians come across as phony (which may or may not be how they really are). For example, if people are "happy and rejoicing" all the time, how can they relate to someone going through turmoil and anguish? So, while I prefer someone who's *not* a churchian, I don't want to be around mean people or those whose language is straight out of the gutter.

Interestingly, I feel the complete opposite when I am with god-minded friends. I feel less at ease and more guarded--as if every act, word and deed *may* be judged as inappropriate. Further, I feel as if they feel the same--guarded and less *real*. I am more interested in what happens on page 157 than the cover of the book or the author bio.

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“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” - Chinese Proverb

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“God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supplies.” - Hudson Taylor

“Show me the man you honor, and I will know what kind of man you are.” - Thomas Carlyle

What is visiting the sins of the fathers? It's pretty easy to trace out the results of abuse in families. It goes from generation to generation. Alcohol and drug abuse does too. That is the natural, sinful, progression. The only thing that stops the chain is someone who gives their life to God and allows Him to heal them. That's why the rest of the sentence in that commandment is so important--and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments. Separating the two parts of the sentence separates God from His love and mercy, and gives a very distorted picture of God.

This had never occurred to me before. I have always had more friends outside of the faith than in it, as well as some from other denominations. But the other day, after a visit with joyous fellow believers, I realised how happy I was to be in their company. It was a peaceful place, a sort of respite from the negative so prevalent out there today.

What does it mean to be in the world, but not of the world? To what extent, and to whom, will we be an effective witness if we do not have any friends who are not converted, godly people?