Do you think God wants us to compete with other religions?
I’ve read some stuff recently lamenting Christianity’s waning influence. One article claimed we’re “losing the battle” with Middle Eastern religions, atheism, and humanism (the god of “me”). The author suggested that those who believe in the God of Abraham need new strategies to compete with those other gods.
For me, this discussion raises one of my favorite questions:
Do you really believe what you believe?
Do you believe God can’t compete unless we devise better strategies and tactics?
Do you believe God can lose? Seriously?
When I listen to Jesus, I hear the quiet confidence of one who knows. He knows the truth, He knows the proper path, He knows what works and what doesn’t. He knows, because He designed the whole thing.
It’s the uncertain, insecure person who pounds on the table and demands lockstep agreement. Those who aren’t quite sure attack anyone who disagrees.
When you know—and know you know—there’s no need to shout.
Jesus didn’t panic when people disagreed or when things got crazy. He didn’t deviate from the path.
Jesus didn’t appeal to governments or political action to advance His agenda. He didn’t assert His rights as a citizen to protect himself or His followers. He didn’t advocate any form of violence, and He certainly didn’t hate those who decided not to follow. He didn’t argue, frighten, intimidate, or coerce people into believing.
He didn’t convince people to follow Him through superior logic or clear theology. Crowds gathered around Jesus because they wanted to know Him, not His ideas.
I want to follow His example. I want to share Jesus and His message of love with the quiet, confident assurance of one who knows the truth and doesn’t need agreement or affirmation from others.
I can’t recall any incident in which Jesus “competed” in any manner. He wasn’t seeking to win a victory that was already assured.
He knew.
We ought to know as well.
Please leave a comment here.
Want to receive free updates?
Click below to get Bouncing Back
delivered directly to your inbox.
