"I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize (convert) I don’t respect that at all. if you believe that there’s a Heaven and hell, and people could be going to hell, or not getting eternal life, or whatever, and you think well it’s not really worth telling this because it would be socially awkward…how much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life was possible, and not tell them that?" Penn Jillette
This is a pretty profound and accurate statement from a self-proclaimed atheist. One of my girlfriends shared this with me last week, so I've spent a while contemplating the subject of being willing to share your faith. Then last night this same subject was addressed in the book I'm currently reading. Then this morning in my daily devotion the same thing came up. I knew I needed to write something about this subject as soon as I could get access to a desktop computer.
Is it simply enough to just accept Christ as your Savior, join a Sunday School class, and toss some money in the plate when it passes? Or are we expected to do more? I think we're made for more. I can say that in one sentence then follow it by saying this, I am not a great example of the "more" I am speaking of. God tells me that I should be making an effort to share my faith with others. I should be ministering to them and trying my best to encourage everyone to receive the gifts only the Lord can provide. What keeps me and so many others from doing so?
Complacency and Comfort.
We want a quiet faith that suits our needs, instead of openly sharing the Bible. We want a relationship with Christ that is self-serving, instead of serving Him. We don't want to upset anyone or be seen as a staunchie bible beater. We have conformed to the worldly ways that tell us to "Coexist" on those cute-sie bumper stickers. We're failing. I'm failing.
I'm going to take the opportunity to air out some "dirty laundry". I am a sinner. My list includes, but is not limited to; pride, anger, arguing, arrogance, bitterness, jealousy, and judging. I could go on. You may be thinking, "Ok. Wow, this is getting deep..." Just wait. I'm going to blow your mind now.
All sins are created and seen equally. I'm as flawed as any other sinner. I find peace in that. It allows me to relate to everyone better and release me from the reflex to judge. Some people have an attitude in regards to their sins and choices similar to, "That's just how I am and that's just how I'm going to be." The bible says all sins are seen equally in the eyes of the Lord. Think of the sins. Think of the ones that make you most uncomfortable, or frightened. Do you think the Lord thinks it's pleasing to Him for people engaging in those sins to take that "That's just how I am and that's just how I'm going to be." attitude?! No, it is not pleasing. It's an attitude that will betray our chances of finally getting to the one place we belong, with Him. It's not pleasing to Him for me to sin in the ways I listed above either. He doesn't want me to become comfortable in them, and He wants me to fight against them every day. He doesn't want me to be that type of woman. So, to sum this all up - I need to try to show or share my faith with everyone despite their current state or beliefs because they are my peers, my equals. I have to make the effort!
He loves us so much that He will give us strength to stand up to our weaknesses if we rely on Him. He loves us even though we are broken and flawed. His grace is redeeming, and that redemption is available to ALL who seek Him.
I'm going to commit to be a better steward of His Word and Love. I'm going to do my very best to be an example of Him. It's a mighty ambitious goal, but I'll die trying.
Before I sign off for today, I'd like to share the devotional from today.
Nothing in Between
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6, NKJV
Jesus leaves us with two options. Accept him as God or reject him as a megalomaniac. There is no third alternative . . . Call him crazy or crown him as king. Dismiss him as a fraud or declare him to be God. Walk away from him or bow before him, but don’t play games with him. Don’t call him a great man. Don’t list him among decent folk . . . He is either God or godless. Heaven sent or hell born. All hope or all hype. But nothing in between.
Beautifully said!
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