“From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon king of Judah, even unto this day, that is the three and twentieth year, the word of the LORD hath come unto me, and I have spoken unto you, rising early and speaking; but ye have not hearkened” – Jer. 25:3
Nearly everyone, especially parents and pastors, knows the fears and frustration of trying to persuade people to do the right thing only to be ignored. It tears your heart out when you see people racing head-long into trouble and refusing to heed the counsel or warnings. But, try as we may, we aren’t able to persuade people against their will. They do as they desire. We can preach the truth, pray, and plead for people and all that is good, but only the Holy Spirit can convict them of their sins. Preachers might impress people with their subject, personality, speaking ability, or preaching style, but they can’t persuade them to do God’s will unless they have a heart to do it. As you’ve heard, “A man persuaded against his will is of the same opinion still”.
We are in a spiritual warfare. It isn’t a matter of winning an argument or over powering the will of people. Even Spirit-filled preaching and heartfelt prayer will not awaken some sinners. Jesus himself, the greatest preacher ever, could not convince everyone to repent. Neither shall we be able to reach all our dear loved ones. Although we should do our best at using the means appointed by God to win them we are wise to face the reality that we can’t win them all. So what do we do?
The only thing that will cause people to live as they should is love for God. Until they love the Lord they will continue living as they please ( Matt. 22:35-38). And since we love Him because he first loved us, the best hope we have to reach others is to both declare and demonstrate God’s love. The sinner’s mind has been blinded by Satan and reaching them will take a miracle of God’s grace. As those who love the Lord we can play a part in that by loving others unconditionally, as God loves us. If anything can get their attention that will. It is then that they are most likely to see their need and turn to the Lord. So don’t give up! – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
