Why would someone not follow Christ?
Four broad categories help me understand where people are with their understanding of faith in God. It takes time to listen to people to know what they are thinking. It might be more important to listen than talking too much. If you are sharing your faith, make sure you do this with gentleness and respect. Here are four people to whom I like to talk.
1. Intellectual- some have heard something that they believe to be true that contradicts the teachings of Christ and the Bible. All of us have had to wrestle with what we believe as well as why we believe the things we do. What convinced us that there is a God? Why do we believe the Bible to be true? As we care for people we must take on their questions as well. For the informational roadblock, give answers and invite them to trust Christ.
2. Willful- some do not want to follow Christ. If I surrender my ways to God I would have to change. Some people do not believe in God because they do not want God in their life. Answers do not help if a person will only do what they want. Many atheist have no reason for their belief. It just fits what they want to believe. For the willful, pray for them and give them time.
3. Informational- This person is usually more open to answers. It is possible that no one has shared what the Bible teaches about how to have a right relationship with God. For the informational roadblock, simply share how they can receive God's gift of eternal life.
4. Religious- This person would feel they are good with God. Likely a religious person told them if they keep some church rules that they would be ok with God. The religious person might compare themselves with others and hope that God will grade on a curve. For the religious, invite them to trust in Christ and Christ alone for eternal life.
If you are sharing Christ with people that you care about, ask them what would keep them from trusting Christ to lead their life? Listen, care and yes you should share the truth about Christ.
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