There is nothing greater than our calling as Christians – which is to share in godly nature! God has given us the promise that we can share in His nature. We are called to follow Christ in every way and if we are faithful in doing that, He promises us a rich and eternal reward. God has also given us everything we need to come to such a life where we share in godly nature – a life that is worth giving up everything for.
“By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life … he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine [godly] nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.” 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NLT).
Blind to the truth
When we know how great this calling is, we’ll want our loved ones to also go on this path to eternal glory, so that they too can be saved from “the world’s corruption caused by human desires”. It’s very sad when we see how Satan has blinded them to the truth, how he has deceived them so that they don’t see their need for God, and they don’t see that if they continue to follow their sinful lusts and desires, it really will destroy them.
Satan lies, he deceives, he makes sin seem less serious than it is so that people don’t see the damage that it is going to cause. He is very clever. He makes sin seem attractive and innocent. “Just this one time … It’s not so important … Just think how good it will feel! … It’s not going to hurt anybody!”
How can we make them understand that sin is very, very serious - that a little bit of lying, suspicion, speaking evil about others, etc. - all these things that seem so harmless - are actually destroying our spirits for all eternity? How can we get them to see this? In many cases, trying to speak to them just leads to arguments and bad relationships. People need to see what the value is of choosing to be a Christian. Preaching to them without living the life of a faithful Christian yourself, is useless.
Let your light so shine
“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 (NLT).
If we want to receive this crown of life, and show our friends and family why they should also choose this life, we have to work, fight, pray, and be 100% obedient when God shows us where we have to rid ourselves of the sin that we are tempted to. “So then, rid yourselves of all evil, all lying, hypocrisy, jealousy, and evil speech.” 1 Peter 2:1 (NCV). That’s how serious we must take it.
When it has become extremely important to us to overcome Satan and sin, then our lives will change. Others will see that where we used to react with impatience, we now are patient. Where we used to only think of ourselves, we now think only of making things good for others. Where we used to speak evil about others, now there is only goodness and kindness. When they see this, they will know that something is happening in our lives. They will see the results of a life of faithfulness.
It’s the life that we live that will speak to them the most. That is what will make them see that the life they are living is not enough - that this new life is a life that truly satisfies.
“In the same way your light must shine before people, so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 (GNT).
A successful “missionary”
When we rid ourselves of sin and resist the devil, we come closer to God. (James 4:7-8.) When we have this connection with Him, He can give us the right words to speak and also show us the right time to speak. But this cannot be done without having a life behind our words. If we are not living this life, we cannot be a “missionary”.
And we can pray for our friends and loved ones! Pray that God will open their eyes to see their need! It is written for a reason that “the earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 (NLT).