First, answer the question in the title in your mind.
Then, watch this video from Penn (of Penn and Teller fame).
Did you notice the question he asked? Essentially, how much do you have to hate somebody to believe they might spend eternity in hell and not tell them?
It seems to me all the flak Christians take for their proselyting efforts comes not necessarily because people don’t want to be bugged but because of the way they’re approached.
For example, which message would you be more willing to listen to?
- Hi, I just wanted you to know that, even though you believe in God, you believe the wrong way. I believe the right way. Can I tell you about it?
- Hi, how are you? I really appreciate you and want the best for y0u. Even though you may believe differently, I think there’s some value in sharing our beliefs. Do you have a minute for me to share with you what I believe about Jesus Christ?
I think too often we may get caught up in an approach or a mindset that looks more like #1 and less like #2. A good example of how this works is Ammon and his brothers. Ammon started with a message of service and sincere love. He converted an entire Lamanite nation and befriended the king. And it’ s a good thing, too, because his brothers, who started with a message of condemnation and repentance, got chucked in prison and had to be rescued by Ammon and the king (I know there may be other things that account for the difference…)
After seeing this, I hope to be more willing to talk to people about my testimony of Jesus Christ and in more sincere, personal ways. These people may not be baptized or make any changes, but they will know two things for sure: (1) I have a testimony of Jesus Christ, the Book of Mormon and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and (2) I care about them enough to share it with them.
Very good blog post Mark. I think the approach/message of missionary work is so important. So many missionaries (not just LDS ones) approach people as if they’re sinners, or as if they’re less than those giving the message.
I’ve sent this onto my brother, who is serving in Lubbock, TX.
Thanks, Ty, I appreciate that. I have to admit, I didn’t have the right perspective on my mission. I wasn’t quite as extreme as I noted above, but I don’t think the people I taught knew I cared about them as much as they should have.
Which brother is serving in TX?