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What Does the Bible Say About..Being Excited to Be a Christian?

I know someone from personal experience who did this. He went on and on telling everyone how he got his sister high. I don't need to tell you my feelings. Why can't more Christians be as excited and motivated to share God with others who don't know Him as druggies are when they get their little sibling(s) or others high for the first time? ??Christians-"APATHY"??

Answer

I'm not sure the Bible says why some who claim to be Christians aren't as excited about sharing God with others. A casual reading of the Psalms would show that God's people should be excited about telling others about God. (Note especially Psalm 119.) The prophet Amos said that a believer in God can't help but tell forth His word: "the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?" (Amos 3:8) Throughout the New Testament the message that Jesus died for our sins, was buried, was resurrected the third day, and was seen by many witnesses after his resurrection is called the gospel, which means "good news." Paul said, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ" (Rom 1:16) and proved it with his life. Jude said (Jude 3) that we should "earnestly contend for the faith." It is something worth fighting for. In the light of these and other scriptures, why are people not as eager to spread the word as drug users (be it alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, or other drugs) are to spread their self destructive behaviors?

One reason may be that many Christians are not convinced in their minds that salvation from sin is good news. Many "became Christians" because their parents expected it or to please a prospective spouse. Some are in it for social or business reasons. Some believe in church, but not necessarily in Christ. They go through the motions but are not fully convinced that it is good news.

Others were very zealous when they first believed. They told everyone they could about their newfound faith. But after a time they got busy with other things, or the faith became routine, or they even stopped believing. "And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness; And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word's sake, immediately they are offended. And these are they which are sown among thorns; such as hear the word, And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful." (Mark 4:16-19)

We are used to good news being temporary in this world. A newborn baby doesn't stay that way forever; a wedding turns into a marriage; an inheritance gets spent. Even if the Cubs were to win the World Series that would only be good news a short time. In like manner, the eternal good news becomes everyday to us. Then we stop spreading it.

Many people don't feel the pleasure, the joy, of being a Christian. To them it is a series of restrictions, of "thou shalt nots." Paul wrote the letter to the Philippians to show the joy of following Christ. Those who don't know that joy won't tell about Christ. Instead they tell about other things that bring them joy. They pass on the pleasure of getting high on drugs (even the Bible speaks about "the pleasure of sin" (Heb 11:25)) rather than getting high on Christ.

It is not necessarily that Christians equal apathy. In many cases it is "pseudoChristians" equal apathy. I know many Christians, including many who are not paid preachers, who are eager to pass on the good news of Jesus Christ. These are the people I describe in my article entitled TOWP, the people who look for open windows to spread the gospel. Pray that there be more like them.