Our girls can't resist a good claw machine... and unlike me when I was their age, they are pretty good at it. This particular game near our house is only about 7 cents US per play, which makes it a great, cheap outlet for our girls. The mutual attraction comes because the owners really like to see little blonde haired girls at the store... and one day gave our girls free plush toys when they came up short with the claw.
This type of thing gives me reason to think about life. We know that the truth we have to offer is of invaluable worth, but how does it look, the way that you are presenting it? If you live a 'good Christian life' and never give an explanation to the hope and joy within you... does it come across as being a goody-two-shoes alone? Is there redemptive value that can be found in your life alone? Or are their words required? Do you need to speak to others about your faith if they are to find a way to receive it (rhetorical question... right?)?
Sometimes people read our behaviors differently than we may think. Here, Americans like to dress comfortable (like all westerners do) but it is perceived as lazy and breeds resentment. The nationals ask themselves, "Why would westerners (who are all rich) wear slouchy clothes when they have the means to look good?"
We think of eating whatever and whenever we want throughout the month of Ramadan as a good thing and something that should be treasured and prized by the people having to ritually fast during daylight hours. But in actuality, Muslims see Christians during the month of Ramadan as lack-luster, insincere, and lazy... not free like I would have thought.
Honestly, I can't help but think in comparison to cousins, we are lazy. They start waking up at 2am during Ramadan to cook and eat before daylight. When in the states, I had a hard time waking up for a 7am men's prayer breakfast. The rest of the year, they are on their knees praying at least 5 times a day. Now, the content of those prayers and effectiveness of them is something else entirely, but they ARE sincere and consistent.
I feel deeply about the words of Paul in Romans 10:2-3 "For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness." WOW. doesn't this sound like our cousins? What could the Holy Spirit do in this world if we - true believers - sincerely sought out God's will on a consistent basis?
As far as sincerity of faith and steadfastness of action, this is one of many groups that have true Christians beat in regards to their actions. (notice I don't say salvation, which is by Grace through Faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ through which even lazy Christians receive salvation.) Christians, I believe, take for granted the ease of receiving our salvation and seriously, generally, become very lazy.
And so the question becomes - in our lives... what is the attraction to others? Why would they want what you have? You obviously... hopefully, would feel compelled to share the hope within you with others... but why would they want to hear it? Why would they want to experience worship with you? Do you really look and feel like someone that has the answers to life they need? Because if you have the Holy Spirit inside of you, then you are supposed to have these answers.