The Believers Responsibility

Some years ago an elderly lady told me that she blamed the church and its youth ministry for all of her children (now adults) rejecting God when they went to university. She believed the church didn’t adequately prepare her children for the ‘world’. I didn’t engage with her because she was recently widowed – but to this day I wish I had spoken up. Nevertheless, her words are a classic example of blaming someone else for our own failures or disappointments. This is no different to Adam blaming Eve or the Israelite’s blaming Moses and then Moses blaming God.

The Bible tells us to run our race with endurance (Heb. 12:1-2). Even though we need other Christians in our lives, the outcome of our race is between us and God. We cannot rely on other people to run our race for us. Just as we cannot rely on others to save us or bring our loved ones to salvation.

I recall my own salvation at university when a number of fellow students, that had only ever known church life, were totally ignorant as to what I had given up to be saved. Instead of being happy for my salvation they chose to mock my previously held beliefs. I could have walked away from God and blamed them. But why should I quit being a disciple of Jesus because of other people? The Holy Spirit had now indwelt me and there was no way He was letting me go! It was a tough time, but 30+ years later I continue to walk with Christ. My conversion gave me a very clear picture as to how God works to bring someone to a saving faith AND keeps us in His care. By staying the course, we let the Holy Spirit sanctify us and mature us in our faith. Discipleship is costly but our hard work will pay off as our obedience to Christ will be rewarded when he returns (Matt 16:24-27; Col 3:23-24).

So, don’t make Sunday the only time you pray, open your Bible or engage in any type of spiritual conversation. Engage in your own personal bible study and even be part of a Bible study group in your church. Use your gifts to serve within the body of the church so that you can encourage and be encouraged. And please, don’t be put off by people who are spiritually immature. As you grow in your own faith you will gain the confidence and wisdom to know how to best engage with them.