We've all been there-frustrated over family members, or close friends that never accept Jesus. They hear the message, see the walk and are loved by people who show them compassion and understanding, yet they choose to turn away. Time runs out, the unbeliever dies. They are eternally separated from God and their believing loved ones.
"Though seeing, they do not see; though hearing they do not hear or understand."
In them is fulfilled the prophet of Isaiah:
"You will ever be hearing, but never understanding; you will ever be seeing, but never perceiving."
For this peoples heart is calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they close their eyes." Matthew 13:13-15 (NIV)
"When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This seed was sown along the path." Matthew 13:19 (NIV)
Even if the seed is sown sometimes it springs up among the weeds. Christians living among unbelieving friends and family, become weak from lack of nourishment of God's word and other believers. They get just enough spiritual food to exist, but they never thrive. Often they feel choked out by Satan's plot to keep their beloveds soul from God. The threat of your loved ones entering eternity without Christ is a huge weight on your heart. Rightfully so- Your family's eternal life is more important than their earthly life. (See Matthew 13:24-30)
Staying away from God's house and your Bible may cost your loved ones security in heaven. Although accepting Christ is a personal decision everyone must make for them self, what parents teach by doing is vital to how a child sees God. How horrible to consider your children never accepting Christ as their personal Savior, (especially if you neglected to live for Christ.) Personally, I'd rather die ten times over.
Then there are the believers who spring up so quickly in rocky soil. Gun hoe to be a "Christian" because everyone else around them is one. They want what others have , but are not willing to grow in faith through trial, or circumstance. Believer beware, in every life a little rain must fall. They cry out, "Why did God let this happen? He doesn't love me!" So ends their adventure in the "Christian Life." Bad times do fall on "good people." Would any of us ever grow without trial and error? I couldn't have. (See Matthew 13:20-23)
God is the only One who can give sight, hearing and belief to the unbelieving heart. We need to pray hard for those we love who are not grounded in Christ. We all need good soil and food to grow. For Christians that consists of a Godly group of believers, grounded in God's Word daily to thrive. Studying your Bible alone is even more important. Remember this is a "personal relationship with Christ." Groups and friends are wonderful, but you'll soon fall if there's not a one on one relationship with Christ.
If you're living with a non believer or weak Christan, try reading your bible daily. Do Not force it down your spouses throat. Quietly consume it on your own, until they want to share it with you. When he/she asks why you're reading and trying to live it out, explain how you want to live for Christ. This might be a good time to express your love and desire that all your family would know Christ. Most true believers see Christ in a loved one, or friend prior to becoming a believer. The peace which surpasses all understanding is inviting and intriguing. God designed the human heart with a void only He can fill.
Imagine the joy in your home if Christ became the center of every one's life. No it doesn't mean you'll never fight. Believe me, married believers fight-I know this first hand. Growing together and knowing your spouse and children will be in heaven is an awesome blessing.
The Church is far from perfect. In fact, it's just a group of forgiven sinners who meet and try to encourage each other to try to follow Christ. There is sin in every part of Christ's church, some of it is down right ugly, but the good far out weighs the bad.
"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he went out and hid it again, and then in his joy he went and sold everything he had and bought that field."
"Again the kingdom of heaven is like a a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
Matthew 13: 44&45 (NIV)
I hope what you've found in Jesus is worth sharing especially with those you love. We only have one life, but if it is lived well, that's enough to glorify God. Life is short; don't leave earth without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. :) Love ya
