((conclusion of "Why Some Cannot Find The Way"))
TRUTH
The greatest thing we can do to show our love for others is to bring them to Christ. If our greatest joy in life is found in God, would we not then desire that others find this as well? How then do we introduce others to Jesus Christ?
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." ~John 14: 6
Jesus was more than just a kind, compassionate teacher. He was (and remains) the Truth. If we are to desire that others find their desire in Him, we must share this truth with them. We do this through prayer, through outward acts of kindness, compassion & sacrifice and through sharing the Word of God. Through the conviction of sin, the softening of heart and the realization of the love & grace of God demonstrated on the Cross, the Holy Spirit begins to open their eyes and minds to the truth and it is this truth that will set them free from sin to experience the joy of God (John 8:32). We must remember that the sharing of the truth is not contingent on whether the results are what we expected or whether the truth is accepted. We do not compromise or change the truth.
"Jesus is not a pragmatist when it comes to loving people with the truth. You speak it, and if it does not win belief, you do not consider changing the truth." ~ John Piper
LIGHT
We live in a world consumed with self and the pursuit of earthly pleasure. As a result, many will not find God as they are 'blinded' because of this. They do not 'see' the truth because they are in darkness. There is a popular contemporary Christian song that talks about a "God shaped hole" in all of us. Some liken that to being this sadness or longing that can only be filled by God. While there may be some truth to that, I tend to believe that this "hole" within us is actually our conscience. We are created in the image of God and with an awareness of right & wrong. We go through life chasing after happiness only to find that it's short-lived or never enough. Some will live and die, never having found the true joy of life. Some find it later in life when they realize they are not good enough to meet God's standards and that only one thing (Christ), can fill this 'void' inside.
We are to be the light in this dark world that draws people out of the world and to the Son. This is exactly why Christians should not look and act like the world. We are to be different in a way that they will want what we have. Not the external but the internal. This is where the outward acts of love take shape. Giving without expecting in return. . An attitude of anonymity. All that we do should point to Jesus Christ. People should beA kind word. Sacrifice. Walking in their shoes. Listening. Forgiving. Acts of compassion with a humble heart drawn to Him and not impressed with our works...
"In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." ~ Matthew 5: 16
In all the good that we do for others, our aim should be for them to know Christ. The full picture of love for one another means nothing if we think giving to the needy is enough without following through with sharing the Gospel. If we are content only with the satisfaction our giving provides regardless of whether they find salvation in Christ, we are not demonstrating love at all. Our compassion, generosity and kindness for all should remain even if they reject Christ.
TESTIMONY
Nothing speaks louder than experience. People can relate to others who are going through or have gone through what they have. The impact of what you share means that much more when you can demonstrate the effect it has had on your life. God is in the business of transforming lives. He does this through Jesus Christ. If someone is drawn to Christ because of what we do or say, it should be the result of them seeing the hope, peace, contentment and joy in our life. They won't find "The Way" through empty promises of having their best life now. The Christian life is not a guarantee of success or happiness according to the world. When Christ left the Apostles over 2000 years ago, what followed was not prosperity or popularity. They suffered far more than we ever will for the Gospel. Many gave their very lives for the sake of Him and His Word. Are we this willing to take up our cross and get out of the boat to serve & follow Him?
This attitude of serving Christ at all cost should be evident in our walk and talk. The world should be attracted to Him because of the work He has done in us. Regardless of the rejections or negative response we may get from the world (even demonstrating love), we must remain committed to sharing the truth without compromise.
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." ~1 Peter 3:15-17
In the end, Christians can demonstrate the love of Christ, share the truth, be a light in the world and live a life that shows the transforming power of God and still, some will still not find the Way. Many will find that what they thought was the Way, was not (Matt.7: 21-23)The Bible reminds us that many will be deceived and reject the truth (2 Tim. 4:3-4). The very nature of man is drawn not to the things of God (1 Cor.2:14) but instead, to the things of the flesh. Self. Pride. Lust.
"If a man will reject God, even as a Savior, there must be a dreadful venom in his heart against God." ~ Charles Spurgeon
Mere knowledge of God is not what saves a man nor is it the lack of that sends him to hell...
"A man rejects God neither because of intellectual demands nor because of the scarcity of evidence. A man rejects God because of a moral resistance that refuses to admit his need for God." ~ Ravi Zacharias
"For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." ~ 2 Timothy 4: 3-4
~ktf~
John
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