Luke Scallon
Pastor, Faith Baptist Church of Danville

Published in The Des Moines County News on October 13, 2016.

If they want to believe those things, fine… but why do they keep trying to change our religion?

It is an interesting question – what would motivate someone to talk about beliefs with people who may disagree or be uninterested?  Why would anyone want to attempt to persuade someone to think differently?  Honestly, it is not easy for a lot of Christians.  We don’t enjoy losing friends, upsetting people, or putting ourselves out there for ridicule.  However, the Bible encourages us with the words:  “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).  I would like to suggest three reasons that extinguish shame and encourage us to speak up.

Certainty – We have examined these things for ourselves, become convinced of their truth, and experienced them for ourselves.  It is difficult to remain silent when we believe we have discovered something so important.  We don’t particularly want people to feel wrong; we want others to know things we have personally discovered and are deeply persuaded of.

Joy – Not only are we certain of some life-changing truths, but these truths compose the greatest news we could ever hear or know.  It is natural to share the things we celebrate with others:  getting married, having a newborn baby, or watching a favorite sports team winning…  As great as all these are, there is something even greater about having all your past, present, and future sins forgiven, being relieved of the burden of guilt, having a guarantee of heaven when you die, and having a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe.  How awesome is that?!?  When fully realized, it is an uncontainable joy that naturally spills from our lives into others, and we are grateful to be able to share our rejoicing.

Concern – Some think that it is hypocritical for Christians to try to get others to believe what they do.  One must consider the implications of such beliefs; if what we believe is true, that should cause an urgent concern for everyone else.  If we all are sinners who can do nothing to save ourselves, but there is a God who saves all who trust in Him, we would be hypocritical to not tell others.  Even atheist Penn Jillette asks the question, “How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”

Let this be an encouragement to all, no matter where you stand or what you believe.  To those who are not Christians, please understand that the motivation behind our sharing is love, not judgment or condemnation, and please examine the truth of the Bible for yourself!  To all who are Christians, please examine yourselves, that you would be motivated by love, and that you would be communicating love in your efforts to talk about Jesus.  Please don’t let awkwardness or rejection shut you down; it’s the most important thing you could share with anyone!