We can be sure of its presence by tasting the water. Likewise, the indwelling Christ, though unseen, will be made evident to others from the love which He imparts to us.”
~Sadhu Sundar Singh~
Can we be too salty for an unbeliever with the love we show them? Really, that is serious question, because I think that we can ~ in the eyes of an unbeliever, I mean.
This past weekend I encountered someone that really does not like Christians at all ~ that is mildly put. We are snobs, trailer trash and mindless puppets that repeat what they are feed (not my words)…
Are we really that bad, because we tell people, in love, that Christ is the only way to heaven? In the eyes of an unbeliever, we are intolerant, an exclusive club. Even when you tell them that God Himself is saying that there is only One Way, we are ‘all-knowing’…Hm? I really never, ever encountered something even close to it.
What would you tell someone who is really not seeing the Light and ask you what they need to be saved for anyway? Well, my answer was: from Hell…But then again, if someone does not believe in Heaven or Hell, than that is a mute point. I was really agonizing and praying for this person since Sunday. I really felt bad that I used Hell in connection with His love…Then this morning 1 Samuel came to mind:
“But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. And the LORD told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will do.” ~ 1 Samuel 8:6-9
Is that also true for unbelieving people, who get abusive with their language, when they hear the message of salvation? The don’t reject the message, but the love of God?
So, next time someone is rejecting the salty message you give them that there is only One Way to heaven, don’t fret like me. Get on your knees and pray that God will transform the salt into sugar…
And in case you are an unbeliever right now, but still read this blog for one reason or another…See the red “Ready” button on my sidebar? Click it and you might find some answers to the questions you have about salvation…
I like that illustration about tasing too salty for unbelievers who reject the Good News. I’ve never heard that before. Thanks for the wonderful insight.
You took somewhat the same approach I did. I’ve had hard encounters with people too, and try to remember only God can soften a heart. I’m there to plant, or water, but only God can grow them. I’m responsible for what they see in me, the walk I’m on, I’m not responsible for how they receive it. Still, we need to be sensitive to how much, how soon. If their heart isn’t soft, too much salt can make it even harder. Hard to know sometimes.
Yeah Iris, it’s hard to reach those who don’t believe in heaven or hell. If the salt is love, then let’s make them thirsty!
I use to go down to a place called the Diag. I would go their with a friend of mine a withness to people. Some of the people were not very happy to have me coming up to them asking them “If you died today do you believe you would go to heaven” and “If you died today and stood before the Lord and He were to ask you why should I let you into my heaven, what would you say”. Some of the people were very friendly, some not so happy to see us.
Thank you for your post, it was very insightful.
I know first-hand how too much salt can be bad. Sometimes even a little verbal “salt” to the teens I work with at church is too much for them, and they tune me out. But hopefully the “salt” of my actions is stronger.
Camy
Iris, I love your take on this.
It is so hard not to take it personally when people push you away because of what you stand for. Pray for them anyways and love them anyhow… I think I’m going to eat my words on that.. thanks for the reminder!
As always, Iris you have something important to say! For me, the people who reject the love are in my family. The reactions vary from indifference to pitty. Not one person has tried to disuade me from my beliefs, however…Mostly I get eye-rolling, chuckles, scoffs or changing of the subject. Sigh.
Great words. I am not sure why some people diss ALL Christians. It seems to be common with many unbelievers =(
This is wonderful post, with a good reminder that we will experience rejection, but it is never really US that is being rejected. Just like our battles are fought against the evil spiritual forces of the air, so too, are these rejections of a Spiritual nature. It just hurts that so many people don’t ever experience the magnificent, life-changing love of God because of rejection.
We often take it as personal rejection when someone rejects the Truth. I try to remind myself that it is not I, but Christ who is, yet again, the one suffering the rejection for me.
Beautifully said, Iris!
P.S. everyone will eventually believe in the existance of heaven and hell. Everyone.
I like your take–too salty. I’m not quite sure if that’s where you were going with it, but we shouldn’t just be rubbing salt on their wounds so to speak. We can be a refreshing glass of water with the salt dissolved, through and through, with better results and no less honesty.
A thoughtful post!!! It sure does seem like we can be “too salty” at times. I’m so glad you have a heart for the lost!
Here’s a thought from a pastor that has helped me in my witnessing. “There are lots of kinds of fish in the sea, and to catch them, you need to use different kinds of bait.” Good sales people listen a lot–they “sell” to the customer’s need. (My husband is a veteran sales pro!) A little rephrasing of our words can do wonders.
Another approach is to share your testimony. If you can sum up why the Gospel made sense to you personally, some people will be able to identify with that. For me, my search for God began with my need for a “heavenly Father” when my parents split up (years ago). I find it easiest to share Christ with people who’ve experienced marital conflict.
What a beautiful heart you have, Iris.
This is why I personally believe that it is SO VERY IMPORTANT to always be led by the Holy Spirit before we speak about salvation to an unbeliever. Sometimes we forget that simply the way we LIVE OUR LIVES IN CHRIST can draw others to Him. Sometimes, the road to a person’s ultimate salvation is long, with many stops along the way where a seed or two may be planted. We might be that first seed, or the second, or the fifth….or we may be the final step where we actually lead the person to Jesus. But if we blurt out our “saltiness” to every unbeliever in our lives without seeking the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, I do believe that we will often be speaking out of turn, and might do more harm than good.
You’ve heard the saying, “The road to hell is paved with good intentions?” I believe that applies here.
Nobody wants “religion” forced down their throats. And only the Holy Spirit knows when a person’s heart is ready to receive the FULL TRUTH of salvation. We would all do well to remember that, instead of making others gag on too much salt! 🙂
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor 1:18
I know exactly what you are talking about! And so glad you mentioned the 1 Samuel quote b/c I was thinking of that, but for a different reason.
Anyway, the verse above reminded me that the reaction we get from unbelievers shouldn’t be so surprising.
Perhaps this is going out on a limb, but so often in the Christian community (and as “we” share our faith), it has been all about “saving” a person from hell. God has redirected my thinking in the past couple of years to think beyond that; in other words, to demonstrate through His love for me, my love for Him, by showing others what a RELATIONSHIP with Him means for them NOW :). When that is communicated in love, not in judgment or condemnation, people know the difference.
It is so easy to have my own “agenda”–saving a lost soul, when the truth is, I have NOTHING to do with it. God is the one who draws, God is the one who changes hearts, but He’s gracious to involve me in His agenda, if I’m obedient and responsive to His calling. To consider the perfection of His love, causes me to want to be just like Him. I’m mindful I blow it more often than not, yet He continues to love me in spite of myself, and to use me, warts and all :). Gives me reason to thank Him once again.
Loved this post…