It’s not for people who insist on doing things their own way.
It’s not for people who don’t want to believe they were made on purpose for a purpose.
It’s not for people who aren’t willing to accept they’re not perfect and want to put their trust in Jesus to perfect them.
It’s not for people who don’t want to follow rules.
It’s not for people who can’t accept that even bad things happen so that God may be glorified.
It’s not for people who don’t believe in kingdom come.
It’s not for people who just DON’T WANT IT!
No amount of arguing, pleading, or threatening can change someone’s mind - not wholeheartedly, anyway. You can’t make someone believe what they can’t feel, or said another way: you can’t make someone have identical faith to yours. Faith is personal, dynamic, linking who you are in Christ. All you can do is share what that means to you. And not just by saying it directly. It’s often more the indirect things you do that make the difference. It’s what motivates you to do your daily activities. How you respond when someone says something you may not agree with. People will always watch for you to “slip up” so they can scoff or joke. You make an impression everywhere you go, and sometimes it’s the only chance you have!
For all those people you encounter who are resistant to what the Lord offers, remember something else, too. Heaven is for those who want to be there, who’d enjoy celebrating with the saints for all the Lord has done in our lives. To many people, however, the concept of Heaven is less than appealing FOR THAT VERY REASON! It might very well sound more like torture, making a person less interested in living to obtain Heaven and more inclined to have Heaven on earth in their lifetime instead.
The focus for Christians is always Christ, of course. Not our own agendas. Not our concept of faith we wish someone else dear to us would accept. We don’t want people to accept faith because we tell them to. We are all only human, not divine. It’s a fine line we walk to instruct vs. insist. Yes, we can be adamant about what we know, but at the end of the day, if someone doesn’t see our point, or apply it to their lives, then they’ll never change their mind.
That is why in all that we do, no matter who we are, we are called to live life with a purpose! That means connecting with God daily so His character is in us, making us think clearly, to anticipate the needs of others, and able to respond to the challenges we face. Then, when anyone asks why we do what we do, either by scoffers or even people who may look up to us, our response would be the same: I live for Christ. It’s not something we go around saying, either. That only annoys people even more! And that’s what’s wrong with the world today - people are annoyed by what they don’t agree with, and defiance and intolerance are the default of self preservation!
So, to quote a famous line of philosophy, speak softly and carry a big stick. In other words, be humble, don’t seek ulterior motives, and know when to speak up, but don’t misuse your authority. The stick is there to remind you that you are connected to the tree that gives you life, and are one branch of many! No one likes an authoritarian or an abuser. So be the answer instead of part of the problem. Be the healer instead of the one to inflict the wounds. Keep smiling, be an optimist, and when all else fails, smile and love like Jesus, for you never know who might need a word of kindness to get past a wall of hurt.
That is personally why I do what I do, why I write, and how I prioritize my time. If you don’t agree with it, that’s your right. But if you do agree, feel free to peruse my books and blogs for inspiration and let me know your thoughts!
