Point, Don't Shoot

Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma. Ephesians 5:1 (NKJV)

Blogs. I was introduced to them over three years ago When it was still new to me, I found a thought provoking article, printed it out on a pink paper, and on occasion I read it. I want to share it because until now, it didn't meet a purpose or need for me personally; it just had a great message.

Recently, someone dear to my extended family has chosen to leave the Christian faith to pursue the path of evolution and atheism. I have seen many walk away from God and not one has found joy or happiness in their decision, only heartache and separation. There are moments of tears, anger, frustration and sadness as I realize how this will have an effect on their families and friendships. Many thoughts flood my mind as to what I want to say to this loved one. I want everything to go back to the way it was, but I know there will be a struggle before that happens.

What can I do to change this swayed mind? What should I say?

The blog reads:

Last week I had a dialog with a fellow Christ-follower about sharing the Christian faith with those who don't believe. The dialog came about because she e-mailed me about praying for someone to come to know her Savior. Sometimes believers, because of the life-changing experience that resulted from their faith, can forget what it's like to be on the outside, looking in. We can forget that not everyone is receptive to the Gospel and some just aren't interested in hearing it. And if we forget those things, or worse, are insensitive to those things, and we try to pursue someone and convince them without regard to their receptiveness we can do more damage than good.

Our purpose is to point people to Christ, by our words, sure; but more importantly by our lives. It's the impact of seeing someone filled with joy and hope and stamina through life more than our theological arguments that is most effective in breaking the ice. Let them see Jesus being lived out in you.

Our purpose is to dialog, not to argue and slam them for their equally strong held beliefs, whether they be in another religion or no religion at all. When we don't respect them, (and respect doesn't equate agreement) and that lack of respect comes through in our words, we're not pointing. We're shooting. Shooting them in the heart with our perceived disrespect and shooting ourselves in our evangelistic feet. And trust me; shooting is always easier than pointing. I know. I've been a Gospel gunslinger.

Mohandas Gandhi is reputed to have said, I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ. Apparently he had seen enough of Christians shooting and not pointing.

I am so glad I hung on to that blog article, because God is using it to remind me how walk in the presence of this conflict. In any situation, we are to be imitators of God, walk in love (Christ as our example) and give ourselves as an offering and sacrifice to God, for a sweet-smelling aroma. He will do the work in the hearts of unbelievers!

Lord, thank you for this opportunity to draw wisdom and understanding, love and grace from the God who created us for His glory. I pray that my dear friend will return to you and rejoice in your creation once again.

Janet Stutzman