Getting weak as a Christian?

[FoundInGrace]

I have this friend who has a really weird view of God, over the years I have tried to bring some balance but she continues to live like just any old person, I wouldn't probably say she is a Christian but she prays and thinks God leads her. I don't understand her mindset at all as it seems she wants things her way all the time, and justifies her lifestyle in quite a strange way. I sound hard on her but it is really because I don't know what to do with her.
For a while I ended up doubting my own walk with God and getting confused after talking with her. I feel a bit used by her too at times and that bugs me.
I'm not the sort of person to confront a lot although I have in the past when she moved in with her boyfriend.
She grew up in the church but had bad experiences so me confronting her threw her into a spin, I didn't actually confront her very well sadly but hey we are still friends.

My question is should I put some distance into our friendship as she doesn't seem to change and in a lot of ways is not supportive of me going to church or even of my relationship with God - for example we ended up having coffee instead of church this week. Probably my fault for not caring more about church.

It scars me a bit that I'm not strong enough at the moment to just go to church anyway (I hate going to church by myself - I've joined this church only recently so don't know many people). I have prayed to God for someone to go to church with as I feel it is important to my walk with God to be around other Christians etc.

We've been friends for several years and in the beginning I was her friend to help her as she was going through a really tough time, I was her stability silly me, still am in a lot of ways but I'm not comfortable with that anymore - I don't think I'm helping her get closer to God at all really and I wonder if she's having a negative effect on my faith now. Shes not dragging me off to pubs etc but the coffee instead of church thing on Sunday got me thinking how weak I've gotten.

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[William Nunn]

If she is drawing you away from God, then yes, you have to break off the friendship. Or at least, be stronger concerning this friend (i.e. don't let her drag you off for coffee instead of church). Tell her honestly that you feel like she is drawing you away from what is most important to you - and then you will find out how good of a friend she really is, and wether or not you are just a crutch for her comfort. If she's a true friend, she will try to ensure that she doesn't interfere with your beliefs.

 

[SegaMorph]

I don't believe that breaking off with your friend is the right answer. Did Jesus stay away from sinners just because they sinned? No. I think your friend will still need you to be a good example in your walk with God but it looks like you also need help. Try seeking new friends in your church. Find activities in the church that you can do to help out. Get as involved as you can. When you surrond yourself with christian you will start seeing how their lives affect yours. And keep your friend but it is okay to let her know that you disagree with her and encorage her to look at her own belief system. Don't forget to pray. It always helps. I'm sure that she is going to need you to be her example on what is right.

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

I think if she is pulling you away from God, then you need to keep some distince. You don't have to completly cut her out of your life, but you do need to be sure that your walk with God is strong. You also need to tell her why you are keeping some distance and tell her how her actions are affecting you. You never know, she might try to be more understanding. Also, try joining a group at your church. You can make some new christian friends.

 

[Rafael]

Don't let her lack of interest in God effect your walk with the Lord. You don't have to cut a person off unless they display their sin in a licentious manner where they flaunt their sins before others in mockery of God. If they are lukewarm, try and encourage them or even warn them with the scripture. If they will not hear it, then there isn't really anything you can do other thand pray for them, standing in the gap out of love. Keep trying and be patient in your love.

 

[Brooke]

I have an unusual lack of interest in God myself, and it sort of shows. I don't know if her situation and mine are the same, but I do hope that she eventually gets a conviction inside her about her faith. She needs it. Pray for your friend.

 

[FoundInGrace]

Thanks everyone for your advice and support, I've been thinking a lot and praying about it and feel better that a lot of what I was thinking has been echoed by people here, that helps, thanks so much

 

[desi]

You should probably ask God what he wants you to do with her. I doubt he would want you to leave her if you are God's emissary to her, but who knows?

 

[FoundInGrace]

Desi,
I agree, I dont' want to completely cut her off however guess I'm realising I've got to pay a bit more attention and get back on track more myself so some space and being more aware around her for a while is what I'm aiming at and getting back to church

By the way, may seem weird but I'm going to church with another friend tomorrow - kinda worked out, at least for this Sunday. Nice to know when you really need help God helps, guess He knows this is important to me. I know this doesn't happen all the time but I really appreciate Him helping me this time He's good aye.
Thanks again for your support and advice, and prayers - guess someone was praying, thanks