Attracting Others

Saint Josemaría Escrivá wrote, “The first step toward bringing others to the ways of Christ is for them to see you happy and serene, sure of your advance toward God.”

These are the starting points for sharing the faith and bringing others to Christ.

Happy. Being joyful—not that everything is going perfectly, but possessing that joy and showing it through the trials of everyday life. It’s hard to want to emulate someone or be like them if they’re not a happy person. No one is drawn to perpetual misery or complaint. Joy is magnetic, even when life is hard.

Serene. This one is so important in our time. I think of how angry people get while driving—it’s a simple, silly example, but whether you’re cut off or sitting in traffic, the anger is instant. And anger is not attractive. Calm draws people in. Even in our physical spaces, that’s what we want—a place that outwardly calms us inwardly. The same is true with the people around us. If you’re constantly angry, I don’t want to be around you. Neither does anyone else.

Sure of your advance toward God. Are we confident in our faith? Are we confident in the words of God, His promises, His covenant, His blessings and graces? And do we show that confidence? Or are we doubtful, half-hearted, always hedging our bets? No one wants to follow someone who isn’t confident in where they’re going.

People are watching. And, this isn’t about putting on a show. They’re looking for something real, something that works, something worth following.

What are they seeing in us?