I should, but will I?
“All right, Ed. You’ve been critical of using fear to get people to move from ‘I should’ to ‘I do,’ so what’s your remedy? Or do you just snipe at others?”
Fair question. Necessary question. There is an alternative to fear. TRUST.
In fact, I believe trust is the solution to nearly every situation facing the Christian. When the Bible talks about salvation by faith, it means trust. After all, the word ‘faith’ has many meanings, but in the context of saving faith, it means trust. Here’s a dictionary definition:
1) belief and trust in and loyalty to God
If we take the great statements about faith, and substitute the word trust, we get this:
• “Whatever is not from TRUST is sin” (Rom. 14:23).
• “Without TRUST it is impossible to please Him” (Heb. 11:6).
• “THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY TRUST” (Rom. 1:1).
The better way to cross the chasm of commitment is through trust; instead of looking at the perils behind, focus on the joy ahead. Trust takes longer to establish and grow. Fear can be generated almost immediately. So it’s only human to rely on the one that requires less effort, less time. But just as fear is quickly generated, it can quickly pass.
We also noted that when people move from “I should” to “I do” because of fear, they also move to “I am” in that way. So the church becomes filled with fearful people. But the opposite is also true. If people move from “I should” to “I do” through trust, the church fills with trusting, faith-filled people.
Building trust takes time, but it is the essence of what Christianity is about. And it sounds a lot like this:
“Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me'” (Ellen White, Ministry of Healing, p.143).
“Won their confidence” means they came to trust him. And then comes the final part. “Follow me.” That’s what works in the end. People see a faith being lived and they want that same experience. Rather than telling them “make the leap” across the chasm. we make the leap first and invite them to follow. We share this invitation:
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matt. 11:28-30, The Message).
The unforced rhythms of grace. Easy to say, surprisingly difficult to do. I’ll share more on that, and soul-winning in general, as we move forward.
