Do not expect in-depth conversations from them. Don’t expect them to hang onto your every word, to listen intently, pay attention to or even remember the foundation of, much less the minor parts of what you are saying to them. Do not expect anything at all from those you speak to about their soul, their need to repent, their need for a Savior.
“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” (Matt. 24:12)
And my friends, you must recognize this truth as well, many who have been born-again will have little desire to attend to what you have to say to them also.
Conviction to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord can be offered, but few choose to accept the actions necessary to continue in that growth. The path ahead either looks too difficult, too fearful, or they have found a comfortable spot on it, and that is where they have determined to wait for the Lord to come and take them home.
Expect nothing from anyone.
If you do, this verse may not become a reality in your life, but there is a very good possibility of it.
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Gal. 6:9)
Few, if any, of those you speak to, no matter if it is in person or online, who do not serve the Lord Jesus Christ will heed the call, at least not in your presence. Your words will fall on deaf ears, polite ears, a smiling face perhaps even, but they see no need to hear with the ears of their heart.
They are good people, not wicked in their own eyes, their sins do not need to be repented of for they are all minor and of little consequence in their thoughts of an all-forgiving, all-loving God. And after a while, years or decades, we can grow weary and lose any ambition to even attempt to reach them with the truths of heaven, with the reality of hell.
But in all reality, those who are saved by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ can pose even a greater burden to us, for we see them resting when there is work to be done, we see them at ease, even comfortable in the world, paying heed to its calls and worries over the assurance of the promises given to all who call Jesus Christ Lord.
At times we want to repeat with Paul, “I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.” (Gal. 4:11)
“A scorner seeketh wisdom, and findeth it not: but knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.” (Prov. 14:6)
By the grace of the Living God and for His design and glory some have been called to go a little further with Him, some He has chosen to become part of the fellowship of the suffering of His Son, more of the stones in their hearts, more of the scales of their eyes have been removed. But there is a great sin that may await all who have been blessed in this manner if they do not pay attention to their heart. They may not only grow weary, but they may begin to look down upon their brothers and sisters in Christ who will not listen, who will not grow, who have found a comfortable spot on the path.
“Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.” (Romans 14:4)
“Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.” (John 21:22)
Do not expect anything from anyone you speak with, saved, lost or wicked. Offer the message the Holy Spirit has placed in your heart at that moment for that person, and then move on. Their life’s direction must be their choice, you follow Christ.
If you concentrate on why they would not hear the message, you will begin to expect something from them, a response to your liking, and that is not what we are called to do. It is their path, their decision.
Give the message, give God the glory, and then move on.
