First, let me remind you that a Christian is a lover—a lover of the Lord, a lover of mankind, and a lover of souls. It’s a joy to be surrounded by unbelievers that you know, like, and yes, even love.These people from all walks of life are placed in your life by God—your neighbors, classmates and workmates, those in your book group or exercise class, other moms and your child’s school, your long-time friends.Every time you are with them, thank God that He loved you when you were not a believer, and that He has filled you with His love—a love He fully expects you to extend to others who need Him so very much.However, being in the world and witnessing for Christ calls for being aware and careful. That’s what Paul advises in Ephesians 5:15 and Colossians 4:5-6: “Be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time….Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity.Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as it were, with salt, so that you may know how you should respond to each person.”With this sober attitude, next you must remember that you are also a soldier — a soldier heading into the world to do battle for the souls of others.Your battle is not against your unbelieving friends and workmates. They are not the enemy: They are victims of the enemy. They are “held captive by him (Satan) to do his will” (2 Timothy 2:26).So your job, like a soldier, is to prepare yourself daily as you “put on the full armor of God, that you may be able to stand firm” (Ephesians 6:13-17).And, as you gear up for battle and don your armor each day by reading God’s Word and fortifying yourself, pray! Pray for Christ’s love and a firm resolve as you step out into your world and interact with your non-Christian friends and acquaintances.With this kind of preparation and a heart full of love, you will not be the one influenced by the world, but will be the one who influences others with the love of Jesus Christ.Read: Waging Spiritual WarfareWatch: Start Making Good Choices - Elizabeth George