September 9-10 -

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” - Matthew 28:19

'There is only one way under heaven for me to get the best of any argument - that is, to avoid it. A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.' Dale Carnegie

When I came across this quote it brought a picture to my mind of the people I had encountered over the years. They came to the faith for a short while, but burned out quickly. Speaking with some of them from time to time - not all, they intimated that they had been persuaded against what they called, 'their better judgement'. They came from a variety of backgrounds but all had had one thing in common....they each had an un-fulfilled need – loneliness – insecurity. As a result they had surrounded themselves with a shell of protection against further hurt, until, as they said. They allowed themselves to be persuaded against 'their better judgement'.

Perhaps at the time a campaign was running in the area? or the outreach worker was just over-enthusiastic? who knows, but tact, sensitivity, and TIME had not been taken into account. TIME for them to get to know their contacts as friends . TIME for them to discover backgrounds, fears, needs, and sorrows. Most importantly, TIME hadn't been given to allow God to work on their hearts before they committed their lives to Him.

I discovered the following illustration by The Christophers, and it struck me that, as we spread the Good News in our outreach work, it wouldn't go amiss to follow grandfather's advice to his grandson:

“A man was walking in the countryside with his grandson when they came across a small land turtle. The boy picked up his find, examined it and tried to pry open the shell with a stick. The turtle promptly pulled in it's head. “That will never get you anywhere”, the grandfather remarked. “Let me show you”.

They returned to the house, and the man put the turtle on the warm hearth. A few minutes later the turtle stuck out it's head and feet and began crawling towards the boy. “Never try to force a fellow into anything”, was the grandfather's observation, “Just warm him up with a little kindness, and he'll respond”.

Just the method Jesus used, and look at His success record. Makes you think, doesn't it!

“I do Believe” (LIVE) – the Gaithers – our music today. Please click on the picture to listen.