When sharing the message of the cross” with individuals who do not believe in the existence of God, it is quite understandable why they are so unapologetically dismissive of Jesus Christ. The notion that Christ [the son of man] ever walked this earth as a human manifestation of God is a foreign concept to many, and a myth to others. Add the abstract notion of a Triune God, and you add more fodder to the fire and further confuse the issue.
While members of the Christian faith clearly understand, practice, and embrace the doctrine of the Trinity, members of other religions profoundly reject it and do not consider it a part of their tradition – as the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ mean nothing to them. Moreover, the constant rejection and repudiation of all things God (or Christ) further proves their antipathy towards the message of the cross and explains their non-acceptance of God as an authority in their lives.
1 Corinthians 1:18 (KJV) tells us: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” (KJV)
Because of our connection, with Jesus Christ, our reality transcends that of non-believers. We believe, and understand that His resurrection gave us our salvation, and is the reason why we have eternal life.
John 14:6 (KJV) tells us: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
So, because we have accepted Christ as our Lord and Savior, we can communicate with Him through the power of the Holy Spirit that resides within us. Through divine intervention, we can discern the message, and hear God’s audible voice when He speaks to us – a benefit inconceivable to the natural mind of the unbeliever.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) tells us that: “… the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Thus, it is no surprise to the believer who accepts and understands the complex nature of GOD, that an unbeliever would be incapable of comprehending and discerning the Spirit of God through their natural mind – as unredeemed people cannot perceive spiritual things.
So when confronted with the irrational, foolish babbling of the enemy, who only seeks to tear down our stronghold, we’d be wise to remember God’s counsel.
Proverbs 26:4-5 (KJV) says: “Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him; answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own conceit.”
Many are destroyed because of their lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6 KJV) — for what they think they know, they don’t; for what they say is true, it’s not; and when they believe they are wise, they aren’t.
The nay-sayers and the unbelievers will always be there with their negative points of view; their lack of understanding; their inability to discern the things of the spirit, and their indifference toward the message of the cross — as will the enemy coaching them on.
However, that’s OK, because as Christians, we are aware of their plight, and our job is to pray for learning and understanding on their behalf. Despite what others say or do against us, we should always try to rise above.
Why?
Because we know better, and we know what is required of us by God.
Let’s Converse!
As Christians, at one point or another, we are confronted both directly and indirectly with the criticisms of non-believers and people of other faiths who want to paint us as these insane, over-zealous, crazy Jesus-freak people who believe in a God that isn’t real to them.
So, I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Because, I know that I’ve gone back and forth a few times with people who attacked me personally when I was trying to pray for someone online, or compassionately trying to encourage someone.
Although, I don’t make a habit of responding to their callus attacks, sometimes I feel I need to. I’ve always made a point not to stand in judgment of others, but it seems – as a Christian — I don’t get the same respect. So I wonder:
What do you do when spitefully confronted or attacked with such negativity when all you’re trying to do is share God’s word?
Please talk to me, and let me know what you think on this subject. I look forward to hearing your comments.
