Maybe those that are political do have a self-interest, but the average layperson who believes the Bible and wants to share it seems to provoke accusations of self-interest from all sorts of insecure people. If I'm supposed to get a commission for each soul that gets "converted", then I'm getting hosed here. Isn't it up to the Holy Spirit to convict people of their sin, not the believer who shares his/her beliefs?
2006-07-25 10:35:23 · 15 answers · asked by M&S 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Self-validation is self-interest? Christians' beliefs are hardly every "validated" by others. Give me a break.
2006-07-25 10:43:26 · update #1
Zondo, there is selfishness in every worldview, including atheism. The historical facts of Biblical Christianity is the compelling factor here.
2006-07-25 10:50:41 · update #2
You are exactly right in the fact that it's up to the Holy Spirit to convict others. We as believers need to walk in love to them, both in our manners and how we deal with them (don't forget that our attitudes show more than our words). Encourage them and share how Christ makes a difference in our lives. Share from your heart but do not hammer on them.
Remember that God gave Adam and Eve free will. He still gives people the free will to accept or reject Christ. All we can do is share from our hearts.
But we need to be respectful of them and that is where so many people make mistakes here. If you disrespect people, they will tune you out. Walk a mile in their moccasins, show them that God does make a difference in your life.
And remember that the seeds you plant may not grow for many years. Perhaps what you say in kindness to a person who treats you poorly may make a difference many years down the road.
We have an opportunity to share something very special in our lives, but don't get impatient or upset at those who treat you poorly.
The biggest barrier on this website is when people attack one another, and that includes Christians who get their nose out of joint because someone was unkind.
Just remember that if you are unkind to a person you can undo everything that you have accomplished that was good.
Show integrity, and compassion.
Blessings to all.
2006-07-25 10:44:12 · answer #1 · answered by Searcher 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I have no self-interest in sharing the Bible. I am a very happy Christian that knows Jesus is the way the truth and the life. I know there are people that look for answers and then there are those that condemn. They all read the same message I share. If the non-believers chose to they would not need to read it, but they do. They all say the same,"We read it to poke fun or condemn." If all Christians say basically the same thing why keep reading. These are the questions that come to my mind. No it is not to rack up points with Jesus or the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit does convict people of their sin, the believer couldn't convict a fly. So self-interest is not the solution as to why Christians keep saying on about the goodness, mercies and love of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have a common bond, that bond is the Holy Spirit. Paul says to exhort one another with brotherly or sisterly love. This is what is being done. Praise the Lord for those that condemn, they have a tremendous interest.
2006-07-25 17:49:24 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree. The Holy Spirit is there to speak to heart of every person who heart is not right with God yet some believers are accused daily of being extremist or fanatics. I dare not mimic the Holy spirit.
+T+
2006-07-25 17:43:24 · answer #3 · answered by Pashur 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have it all mixed up! Christians are to be sowers of the Word! After they sow the seed of faith, someone else comes along and waters it. It sproats and grows. If each person does their part in spreading the gospel to all the world we will reap a wonderful harvest of Christians. Then those Christians plant seeds of faith & or water and so on and so on.
2006-07-25 17:44:50 · answer #4 · answered by ruthie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because you do. the purpose of you spreading your disease....i mean religion around is to spread the cancer...i mean word of god. you of course do it because you want to spread the good pathogen...i mean news around but the reality of the matter is that you think youre scoring brownie points. that somehow youll have a better chance of entering your (nonexistent) heaven.
the mechanics behind christianity is always and will always be selfish. dont beleive me? would you beleive in god if there wa no promise of heaven? no. why? the same reason you wouldnt invest money into a stock if there was no chance of a return.
no one wants to beleive and invest time into somehting where there is no gain. christianity and the majority of religions, by default, are selfish.
2006-07-25 17:37:32 · answer #5 · answered by johnny_zondo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That explains all of the hellfire and such from people. I guess the offerings on Sunday being greater for the church have no bearing on the conversion factor.
2006-07-25 17:40:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
perhaps it is becaus the folkes preaching to me are shoving it down my throat. I do not ask to be preached to, nor do I want it. They think that they are gonna get extrak kudos from their ilk if they successfully convert someone over to the dark side...
Bragging rights...
I tend to walk away from those who deem it fit by preaching at me.. if they continue to harass me, they get a "STFU" and then i call the cops.
2006-07-25 17:43:46 · answer #7 · answered by Onyx Dracona 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and timing is everything. By the way, the "commission" must be in spiritual blessings.
2006-07-25 17:39:01 · answer #8 · answered by Cookie777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally will make it known that I teach Kids' church. If they want to know more, I'm willing to share of course, but I let them approach me.
2006-07-25 17:39:45 · answer #9 · answered by Gabby_Gabby_Purrsalot 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
that is true we can only plant a seed but in islam they need to earn their wasy to paradise and the 72 vergins one way to do that is to convert others
2006-07-25 17:38:55 · answer #10 · answered by Sam's 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋