I did not react to the comment, but maybe it had a ring of truth. I do not write books to make money. I hope that someone somewhere may find what I write helpful.
Jesus did not go around compelling people to be saved. No one is forced into Heaven against their wish. It is God's desire that we should join Him in Paradise for eternity but the final decision is surely ours. If we choose not to go to Heaven then it is for us to go the other way; whatever we perceive it or imagine it to be.
Maybe some people do not want to be saved. Either through negligence or defiant self-will they have chosen to turn their back on God. They have every right to do so. What right have we, Christians, to try and save them?
Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:18
This paragraph has confused people for years on end. Does it mean we should all go out and "encourage" others to follow our ways and our beliefs? What if some of us are not good at public speaking, or writing, or knocking from door-to-door with leaflets, or standing at street corners?
What does Jesus really want? And are we failing Him by not following His instructions?
Each one of us has been given different talents and with them different responsibilities. I believe when we get to meet Christ face to face He may well remind us of Matthew 28:18
Those amongst us who have chosen to follow a religious vocation will have more to answer for. What is the point of a priest who has not "been Christ" to anyone?
Others will have to consider how their lives have affected others.
As a youth Augustine lived a hedonistic lifestyle associating with young men who boasted of their sexual exploits. His very nature, he admitted, was flawed. However, it is said that his mother prayed all her life for God to help him and eventually Augustine turned to God and became a leading figure in the Church.
This is what Jesus expects of us. To pray for those who have gone astray and to lead by example. Let us look truthfully at our lives. Is it really one that others would wish to emulate? What is it about us that would make someone want to be a Christian like us?
Sure, maybe some people do not want to be saved. But then, are we a bad advert for Christ?
Hi Victor, yes ,as believers in Jesus, we can only do what we are led by the Holy Spirit to do, and only the Lord knows if and when that will happen. Our main responsibility is to remain in the Lord ourselves - it is then that we will reflect God's ways and thoughts. God bless.
ReplyDeleteAmen Brenda. I agree.
DeleteGod bless.
...we each pick our own way through life, for better or worst.
ReplyDeleteMany choose for worse, Tom.
DeleteGod bless you.
Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Matt. 5:15 KJV
ReplyDeleteAmen. Thank you Anonymous. God bless.
DeleteI good example to live one's life such that Christianity is attractive to others.
ReplyDeleteMany Christians behave totally un-Christian ways.
DeleteGod bless, Kathy.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteIndeed prayers are VERY powerful and Saint. Augustine is a good example of how his own Mother never seized to continue to pray for him.
As for myself I've lived through excruciating pain but lots of prayers have carried me through! This level is rather easy now...
Hugs,
Mariette
Praying you continue to improve and fully recuperate, Mariette. Take it easy, relax and take care.
DeleteGod bless you and Pieter.
💕
DeleteGood question! I'll admit; I only attended church services b/c my parents expected it. Today, I'm convinced it was mother's prayers that redirected my mindset.
ReplyDeleteUnlike some in my present congregation, I'm most uncomfortable approaching strangers with literature, or an invitation to attend this or that. I hope Jesus understands.
Of course Jesus understands what each one of us can and cannot do. He will help us along the way as we walk with Him in life. As He taught when on earth, God has invited us all to His banquet; but many made excuses as to why they did not attend. God does not force anyone to go to Heaven. Sadly, some people think they know best and turn His invitation away.
DeleteOur role, as God's ambassadors, is to show them by our way of life what they are really missing.
God bless you, Mevely.
I believe there are folks out there who don't want to be saved, but that's no excuse for us not to try. I'm toying with this same idea for my next blog, Victor. Do great minds think alike, or what?
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yes, there are those who do not want to be saved; but I am hesitant as to the amount of trying to help on our part. Often all we would do is encourage entrenched positions.
DeleteI know of several people who, for various reasons, have walked away from the faith. They know of my position, and my book writings, so if I were to broach the subject of religion it would only drive them further away.
I'd be interested on you Blog post on this, Martha.
God bless always.
I believe that we cannot force someone to do something they don't want to do. I've found that it makes them even more belligerent. In that case, you walk away for a while...but don't give up. Sometimes I think the best way to touch their souls is just to be a constant example of Christ to them. Be kind, understanding, patient, loving. The Holy Spirit will do the rest. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI agree Cathy. Silent prayers without their knowledge will work wonders.
DeleteGod bless my friend.
"Maybe their time has come and they don't want to be saved. What is it with us wanting to save everything? The animals, the planet, even you with your Christian books that you publish!"
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange thing to say.
I understand what you say, Sandi. But the question is: should we, as Christians, evangelise to others our beliefs that Christ is the Son of God? Was Jesus speaking to you and me in Matthew 28:18, or just to those there?
DeleteAm I wasting my time and resources in the books I write?
I guess that's what the questioner meant about why do we feel the need of wanting to save other people and things?
God bless you, Sandi.
He was speaking to me and you. Tell others. I once was lost but now I am found. I can not begin to tell you how much that means to me. Don't be afraid to speak.
DeleteGod bless you, Victor.
Well said, Sandi. We should never be afraid to speak our truth.
DeleteGod bless always.
"our truth"
Delete😃
That phrasing bugs me. It is the truth.
We should do what we are confortable with. We live and die with the choices we make. We make good and bad choices but we also must learn from these. There are lots of people who don't want anything to do with religion or Christians.
ReplyDeleteIt's true that many people don't want to have anything to do with Christianity. I wonder whether our Church leaders have any responsibility in this state of affairs. Have God's shepherds lost their focus and concentrating elsewhere other than their vocations?
DeleteGod bless, Bill.
Others should see Christ in us as we live our lives.
ReplyDeleteWe should tell others about Jesus in a kind, friendly way, never judge but tell the truth. It is up to God to save them not us.
Good points, Happyone.
DeleteGod bless.
Oh your last question is spot on, Victor. Are people seeing Christ-lovingkindness in us? Or are we strident, obnoxious, and irritating in using our faith as a weapon ...
ReplyDeleteChrist would be ashamed of some Christians I know.
DeleteGod bless, Linda.
Lots of food for thought. My hope is to let my light shine so others see Him not me.
ReplyDeleteAmen. Well said, Mimi. God bless.
Delete