I have to be the first to admit that it is so much easier to have compassion and love for those that I know are lost. My goodness, at least they have some validation as to why they may live their lives in the way that they do. On the flip side though, I have encountered many lost people that are great people who live upstanding moral lives, but have never experienced the living God personally…they’re lost.
As I was reflecting on this ever-growing frustration that swells inside me, God revealed a new way to approach His beloved creation and I hope you’ll consider this too. Love them like their lost, Kelli. They just might be…
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34
Right up to the final hour in the life of Jesus, He modeled for us the attitude of our heart toward others regardless of the circumstances. Talk about stretching my little prideful Self!
This battle is not between me and another person. It is a spiritual battle that is clearly defined in Ephesians 6:10-12.
Also, adding to that thought…
2 Corinthians 4:4 says…
The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
If everyone walks around displaying blindness I have to assume they just may not know Jesus Christ. Grasping this truth sheds new light on the situation and gives me a new view of the urgent work to be done.
I am convinced that “the church” at large is filled full with people that do not know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Many people are uncomfortable making such a statement, but I’m not and I’ll tell you why. Over the last year, three ladies have come to know the Lord as their Savior and will tell you they either “thought they were saved” or was continually trying to get things right with God as they were confessing sin, but never repenting. I also know what happened in my own life and for many years I lived under the deception that my eternal destiny was secure in Jesus. Sometimes I gasp for air when I ponder the realty that I almost missed salvation, but Jesus rescued me in spite of myself!
Published statistics may vary, but results show that anywhere from 50-80% of the regular church attenders and members are lost.
This year I want to be sure that I love more, listen more, and forgive infinitely so Jesus may be revealed through all that I say or do and just maybe…God will bless me with seeing others come to know His son, Jesus☺
Blessing upon you in 2012!
Kelli
