more on truth

As we present this truth of Christ Jesus and His Kingdom, we must remember we are not selling anything. That is, we do not persuade, the Holy Spirit does.

We need to push aside our personal desire to be right and correct others (especially the trap of being "successful" at it).

“As for you, son of man, your people who talk together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, say to one another, each to his brother, ‘Come, and hear what the word is that comes from the Lord.’ And they come to you as people come, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear what you say but they will not do it; for with lustful talk in their mouths they act; their heart is set on their gain. And behold, you are to them like one who sings lustful songs with a beautiful voice and plays well on an instrument, for they hear what you say, but they will not do it. Ezk 33.30-32

I think Dallas Willard understands this rightly.

Whatever our position in life, if our lives and works are to be of the kingdom of God, we must not have human approval as a primary or even major aim. We must lovingly allow people to think whatever they will. We may, if it seems right, occasionally try to help them understand us and appreciate what we are doing. That could be an act of love. But in any case we can only serve them by serving the Lord only.

The goal of our conversation is to change lives for the Kingdom. Without the initiation of the Holy Spirit, these are at best well reasoned arguments. If we are motivated by true love, prayer and compassion will mark our lives more than persuasive talk.

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