Sinners! We’re out to get ya!
4 November 2009 Hits:2836
Christians are accused of being too focused on getting converts and likened to telemarketers according to research conducted by David Kinnaman for the Barna Foundation.
While it horrifies me to think that Christians are seen to pester, in response to this criticism I would say, “Yes, I am out to convert people to Jesus because I believe He is the way and the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him” (See John 14:6).
I believe people need to come to a point of personally accepting what Jesus Christ has done for them through His death and resurrection. I believe that apart from Jesus people go to an eternity that is separated from God. I believe that God’s will is for no one to perish but for everyone to come to repentance. I believe God wants everyone to experience His abundant life now and eternal life forever. On the basis of these beliefs, I share my faith in Jesus with others. I tell people what He has done for me. I tell them that He loves them too and wants the very best for them now and forever.
The problem, however, is the approach of some Christians to this task so that people feel targeted rather than befriended – a love with hooks. In the book Unchristian, David Kinnaman says, “While we’re trying to convey the most important message in human history – that Jesus offers a new life through faith in him – something gets lost in translation … rather than being genuinely interested in people for their friendship, we often seem like spiritual headhunters.”
The solution to this perception is developing genuine relationships. It is vitally important for Christians to demonstrate genuine interest and care towards others – love without hooks! Listen to what the apostle Paul says about this: “Just as I myself strive to please [to accommodate myself to the opinions, desires, and interests of others, adapting myself to] all men in everything I do, not aiming at or considering my own profit and advantage, but that of the many in order that they may be saved.” The word “please” literally means, “to seek to be agreeable.” There is no room for obnoxious Bible-bashing in real Christianity!
Check out these words of wisdom: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (1 Peter 3:15-16). “The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone … Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…” – gentleness, respect, kindness. Now that’s refreshing!
Being a real Christian means that you will develop genuine relationships with others whereby they may be influenced (over the process of time) and transformed by Jesus who lives in and through you! But if people never embrace your faith – never stop embracing them, because real Christianity is genuine!
Rob Buckingham
Senior Minister
One reply on “Sinners! We’re out to get ya!”
Non christians aren’t the only ones who think the church is boring, sheltered and out of touch. There are a tonne of christians out there who feel the same way