Avoid people to become holy?

[kitkatty]

You have gotten some very good replies here. I will only add that sometimes we outgrow friendships for different reasons. This is natural as we grow and change,and our spiritual life life should definitly make us grow and change, transforming us to Christ. As this transformation takes place the people who are not on a spiritual journey will gradually become people we have less and less in common with. But can you benefit these people or are they a detriment to your relationship with Christ? Only you can decide that and you might have to evaluate them on a case by case basis. I agree with the poster who recommended leading by the example of your behaviour rather than in your face religion. The way you described them I get the impression that they are in the group that might say they believe in God but there it stops. And in my opinion I rhink that probably describes the majority.
As for your family relationships you can`t just write them off, unless of course there are extreme situations. Again, pray for them and discourage their dramatic behaviour by not participating in their drama the best you can. The poster who said you are in your family but not of their behaviour said it best. You can let them know you have their love and support without getting caught up in their stuff. Pray, take each relationship step by step and I rhink it will all work out.

 

[CB_Catholic]

As for family relationships–I know a couple, fundamentalist Christians, who have cut off their relationships with most family members, and I know one of the family members, that’s how I know they did this. The family does not see them as examples of what Christians should be, in fact they see them as “holier than thou persons” who do not want to associate with them. They hae the impression the couple thinks they are better than them. And the family are basically good and decent people, even if they do not share their religious views. Now what kind of a Christian witness is that?

Now if a family member is abusive, or leading you into temptation or sin, or damaging to the children,etc, that is one thing, and one may want to limit their relationship with them; but I think that the best Christian witness is to live as one and practice the virtues of kindness, generosity, honesty, love, patience, etc. Don’t preach to them, but share your faith from your own personal experiences, rather than argue things. Or don’t even bring up religion if they are inclined to be argumentative. Practicing these virtues will result in spritual growth in you towards holiness and be a good witness to your faith in Jesus.

Also, hermits are not seeking to avoid people, that is not why they are hermits. They are seeking a closer relationship with God, that is their motive. And this type of life is a calling from God, not an escape from people. I believe it need ecclesiastical approval and direction, I’m not sure of the ins and outs of that. Plus they do not always entirely avoid people.