Consider that you are invited to a friend’s house for breakfast. On the table you see a large pitcher of freshly squeezed orange juice from which your host fills his glass. But he offers you none. Finally, you ask, “Could I have a glass of orange juice?”

He replies, “Oh, I am sorry. I was afraid you might not like orange juice, and I didn’t want to offend you by offering you something you didn’t desire.”

I think this story has a lot of potential but is flawed. My issue with it is, what kind of environment is this host setting up? Why does his guest feel the need to ask for a delicious glass of orange juice? Did the host pour himself a glass then put the pitcher back in the fridge? When I imagine this breakfast scene I see a table that is set with eggs, sausage, bacon, waffles, and all the other good breakfast stuff. It seems to me, the host’s problem was 1. Not letting the guest feel comfortable 2. When the guest finally asks for orange juice he makes the situation even more awkward by giving a long excuse for why he didn’t pour him a glass of orange juice.

Going back to the food, the beverage is the most important part of the meal. The orange juice in this example is the gospel. We cannot truly appreciate life (sausage, eggs, bacon, etc) with out the gospel (the OJ, which truly complements this meal). If the host wants to share it, leave it on the table and make it accessible to the guest. I guarantee that if you have that breakfast spread and some OJ on the table, your guest will know what to do. So basically, I am offering my approach to sharing the gospel which is to be friends with nonmembers. Invite them to your house for dinner (or breakfast). Be genuine in your friendship, not just thinking about converting them. Allow trust to grow and they will see your good deeds and want to know more. They will ask questions. Think of Ammon and King Lamoni. He was a friend to the King. He gained the Kings trust, then he was able to talk religion.

Now, I am not saying don’t ever invite people to church or don’t start conversations. I just feel like we get nervous because we focus too much on bringing up church stuff with our friends. The thing is, if they are friends and know us, the church will come up! Opportunities will come.

I would like to use another food reference if possible. Many people live good lives and try to be there best. Maybe all they have is powdered milk, but the gospel is 2%. Maybe they just never imagined how amazing REAL milk is. Once they try it, they will be hooked.

Thoughts?