Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20, NAS)
Sometimes, I just want to give up on people who refuse to change and focus my energies on those who will change at the rate I envision. I get tired of spending prayer time, thought time, program planning time, conversation time, card sending time and fill in the blank time, when the consistent result is an unchanged life. Although, there are seasons to relationships and seasons to the level of intimacy in those relationships, God never wants us to give up on anyone.
I absolutely love 2 Corinthians 5:20 because it reminds us of the level of passion we are to have for the salvation of others and I also add, the level of passion for a believer’s growing spiritual maturity. In this particular translation, the words entreat and beg stand out to me. These words indicate that reaching others for Christ is not going to be easy. There is a sense that there will be some energy involved. The verse doesn’t use the words ask or offer, it uses plead and making an appeal (NLT). God uses us as His representatives in this world to demonstrate His unfailing love and concern for others. Even as I think back over my life, I can identify a number of people God has used to bring me to salvation and to an ever growing spiritual maturity. If any single one of them had decided to give up on me and not reach out when they did,I would not be where I am today.
I am encouraging you today, Don’t give up on the people God has called you to! Take time to reenergize and adjust your expectations. Spend time in prayer and allow God to speak to you about how He wants to use you in the lives of people around you. Get comfortable with being the seed planter. God will reap a harvest in HIS time.
Reflection: Have you stopped praying about someone becoming a Christian or becoming more mature in their Christian walk? Surrender those feelings of disappointment to God and allow Him to direct your next steps in that person’s life.
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