Someone once said, “The number one cause of Atheism, is other Christians.”  Some say there is no truth to this and others believe it wholeheartedly.  Whether the statement is true or not there is a deep message buried within that is quite alarming.  That message is that Christians are actually pushing people away instead of showing others the love that has been given to us from the Lord.

I have seen it myself, Christians trying to convert someone by pressuring them and preaching that they will go to hell.  We all know that when someone pushes it is instinct to push back and that is why many people shun anything that is “religious.”  The most effective form of leadership is to set an example and encourage others to follow.  Preaching at someone is more likened to a dictatorship that forces people to sneak out of the country to find safer ground.

Jesus Christ himself never forced anyone to follow him, and he is God!  All he had to do was think a thought and convert someone, but he did not.  Jesus won souls by setting the example of how God wants humans to live on Earth.  He simply would tell others to “follow me” and they dropped everything then followed.  They did this because they saw his example and then received the motivation and encouragement to follow him.

In one particular story a rich ruler came to Jesus and asked how he could enter the Kingdom of Heaven.  Jesus instructed him to sell all his materialistic worldly goods and give the money to the poor, then follow him.  That is all that he said, he did not go on to say the man would fry for all eternity and his life was in vain.  He simply said follow me. 

If you do not have people asking you how to get to Heaven or how to possess the joy that you have, then you may be pushing people from Christianity.  I see many people shy away from religion and find out later they were lectured and condemned for not being saved. 

Those who do not believe in Christ as your savior do not allow someone else’s views determine your own.  Research the facts and talk them over with someone you know and trust.  For those who are already Christians set the Christ-like example and be there to encourage.

Week 4: I am an awful person!

Reference:
Luke 18:22 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=49&chapter=18&version=31