Have you ever wondered why so many people are opposed to hearing about Jesus? It seems to be universal. Since 90+ something percent of the US population believe in God (with agnostics and atheists making up the other 8-10%), most of us don't have a problem with hearing about God. It's only when Jesus comes into the equation that people run for cover. They get really uncomfortable once you cross that threshold. So why is that?
Since I became a christian about 7 years ago, I've been asking myself this very important question. I've had a couple of incidents in the last few months which shed some light on the mystery, though. Although I'm trying to understand the "why" of it all, it really doesn't come as a surprise that this event takes place. Jesus tells us in John 15:25 that they hated him without reason. He also tells us that His followers will receive the same kind of treatment, being persecuted also.
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.
This dislike of Jesus Christ and His followers still continue on today. It's one of the many things Jesus told us would happen during His time, and this still holds true today.
Anyway, getting back to the couple of incidents I mentioned previously. One of these took place after I chose to display a bumper sticker on my car, which reads "God's Love in One Word...Jesus". Of course, we can't really define God's love in just one word, but the point I was trying to get across was that if we could define the ultimate expression of God's love in one word or act, it would be the fact that God loved us so much He sent His son to die for our sins.
After placing this sticker on my car, it seems I started hearing from a lot of people who we're suddenly unhappy with me when I was out and about. I'm used to people honking their horns at me every once in a while (and in particular when I've done something really stupid while driving), but all and all it's not a common occurrence that somebody decides to display his/her displeasure with my driving skills. In the two days after placing this sticker on my car, though, I got honked at three times. Believe it or not, two of these times happened while I was in the line at the bank trying to use the ATM machine, at two different bank branches on two separate occasions. I really wasn't taking too long to use the machines, etc when I received those "I'm really annoyed" honks from behind. I don't think it was the same person, either. What's the chance? I guess those people dislike Jesus and waiting...
The second incident which started me pondering this question about why people are so uncomfortable with Jesus was from a post I found on a radio board I frequent online. One of the posts was concerning a couple of radio morning show hosts, Rick and Bubba, who originally started here in Alabama, and are now syndicated throughout a lot of the US. They are a couple of Christian men who share their faith over the air. They get a lot of flack for it, too, especially from some of the radio people who post on the board. There are a few of them who tend to make nasty remarks about radio people in general, but it seems Rick and Bubba receive more than their fair share of attacks. After someone posted some rather insensitive remarks about Rick and Bubba on the board recently, someone else enquired why so many people have a problem with Rick and Bubba. Since the question was posed, I decided to respond to give an answer why, and I responded back saying it had to do with the fact that they share their faith (talking about Jesus) over the air and some people just don't want them doing it. I pointed out what the scriptures said about how Jesus would be hated without reason and so would His followers, therefore Rick and Bubba would be more susceptible to criticism. Of course, those responding back to my post seemed totally oblivious to everything I said, and thought my point was ridiculous.
Pondering on all this information, I've come to the conclusion that there are three reasons why people have such a problem with hearing about Jesus (I'm sure there are many more, but these are the ones which have crossed my brain so far):
If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin (John 15:22)
If you're reading all of this, and you're not a Christian, let me say that although God must punish sin, He does provide you a way out. God may be just, but He is also merciful, and He loves you very much. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for you, so you won't have to spend an eternity in hell. Receive Jesus Christ today, and He will save you. Jesus says that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Acts 2:21).
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Life provides many choices, but...
only ONE eternal choice!
www.PassTheWord.net
11 comments on Don't Talk About Jesus?
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I don't leave pamphlets in bathroom stalls, though. I figure most people wouldn't bother reading it. When I want to share the gospel as the Lord leads, I like to do it online because I know people will be more inclined to read it. See...it worked. :)
Take care and God bless.
Jenn
Yes...it is still sharing. I don't advocate "shoving" anything down anyone's throat. You have to understand the medium in which the gospel is shared with you. If I was speaking to you in person (or maybe even via chat which I've done with some) and you were to respond negatively, become angry with me for sharing the gospel with you, I would not continue because it would then become "shoving it down your throat". First of all, the gospel is to be shared out of love, and if I'm trying to share that with you, and you've communicated to me somehow that you aren't interested, then I'm no longer doing it out of love. Secondly, the Bible says that a person can't be saved unless the Father draws him (or speaking to him/her at the time) the gospel is being shared, so it would be useless for me to continue sharing with you if you've expressed that you are not interested. I could sit and talk to you for hours on end about the gospel and it wouldn't accomplish anything if the Lord was not speaking to you at the time (the Lord does the convincing, not me).
I was saved about 7 years ago, so it hasn't been too long since I've been "on the other side of the fence", so to speak, so I try to be respectful of others if I'm sharing it in person/via chat and they don't want to hear it.
Since I'm sharing the gospel to you via the internet, and this is a blog, obviously you're going to be reading this after I post, so I'm not there forcing it down your throat because you have the choice to leave the page at your discretion.
Take care. God loves you. [SMILE]
Email me sometime if you ever want to chat. It's sort of hard to keep track with all these replies going on, lol. Email address is on our website, www.passtheword.net. God cares about you, and I do, too.
[SMILE]