Respect for the Journey

yaadee wrote:

THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN® LIFE Daily Devotional

October 25, 2004


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Respect for the Journey
by John Fischer

Everybody knows some truth. Everybody is right about
something. Even the most evil of people is getting
something right. Traditionally, members of the mafia
have great family values. They are loyal. They will
kill for their loyalty, but they are loyal,
nonetheless.

When seeking to reach out to those around you who do
not have a relationship with Christ, it's best to find
out first what they already know, because they are
getting something right. Think about it: Who would
you rather be around someone who agrees with you or
someone who is always pointing out where you are
wrong?

Ask the Holy Spirit to make you sensitive to the
spiritual needs of those around you who do not know
Christ. Make it your goal to find out about the
spiritual journey of others. Pastor Rick suggests we
pray, Father, help me to understand what is keeping
this person from knowing you. We can't make people
believe, but we may be able to help remove some of
their barriers to believing.

It's not necessary to clear the table of someone
pre-Christian spiritual journey before you can set up
Christ. Chances are Christ is already on their table
somewhere in the form of truth. Jesus said He was the
truth, so that all truth has something to do with
Jesus. You can work this either way. You can start
with Jesus and lay out the truth, or you can start
with the truth and work your way back to Jesus.
Starting with Jesus works fine for those who already
believe in Him and want to learn more. Starting with
truth is best for those who may have doubts about
Jesus but might relate to the truths He espoused.

Jesus said that? someone might say.

Yes, you could say in response, and would you be
interested in hearing some other things He said as
well?

What's important is that we have enough respect for
people to value what they already know, and then make
ourselves available and willing to find out.

As Christians, we need to always remember we are not
persuading people about God all by ourselves. The
Holy Spirit is doing this, and was already doing it
before we came along. We can introduce people to
Jesus, but we cannot make anyone believe; just like
you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it
drink.

I try to please everyone in everything I do. I don't
just do what I like or what is best for me, but what
is best for them so they may be saved. 1 Corinthians
10:33 NLT