Leading to The Cross or Chasing Away?

I had to make a heartbreaking decision not too long ago.  A very dear friend, who I wanted so badly to know Jesus, told me that he was never going to church again and he wasn’t going to do the “God” thing and it was because of me.

WOW … what a blow.  The one thing I wanted most was never going to happen.  I was chasing one of the most important people in my life away from the cross!

I knew then I had to take a step back.  Nothing is more important, not my feelings, wants, needs, desires, than a person’s salvation.  I could no longer stand in the way of him finding his way to the cross.

Sometimes, and all too often, it’s the people closest to us, the ones we love the most, that we hinder.

Maybe it’s because they knew us before, or maybe they see us stumble.  Maybe they see us at some very ugly moments.  Whatever it is, you know the enemy is right there pointing out the worse in us to give our loved ones reasons not to go to the cross.

Why does the enemy target our loved ones?  Other than wanting to collect souls for his kingdom, he wants to shake our faith and ruin our witness.  He wants to point fingers and accuse us of being fakes.  He wants to destroy our relationships and what better way than to use “religion”.

When leading others to Jesus we must be very mindful about our words, actions and be wise to the enemy’s tactics.  Just plant the seed & love on people.  If they don't want to accept Christ that's their deal.  Our salvation is not based on their decision and we don't make a commission.  Yes, our hearts break for lost loved ones, but we just have to trust God.

The funny thing about this story is … all along he thought he was getting in the way of my relationship with God … as it turns out I was blocking his.  Strange how the enemy can use the love for Christ and the love for another person to pull three people apart.

I can’t change the world but I can change ME :)