+DEV+ Lack of Pressure

Date: June 3, 2009 1:11 AM

Topic: +DEV+     Lack of Pressure

Lack of Pressure

Scripture Focus: Matthew 19:16-22

“The Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24).

We all face pressures to conform to the standards of others. Some are subtle while other pressures are blatant commands.

It’s interesting to note that Jesus did not coerce people into following Him. When the rich young ruler approached Him with a question about obtaining eternal life, Jesus pointed him to God’s standards outlined in the Ten Commandments.

No one, including this ruler, has kept all God’s commands. We are all sinners and cannot save ourselves by our own efforts. That is why Jesus voluntarily came to pay the penalty for our sins. We must put our faith in Him to have eternal life.

The ruler’s possessions were more important to him than God. Consequently, he left with sadness. Jesus did not pressure him, but let him go away. He taught the truth but acknowledged the man’s free will to choose God or not.

Few people respond well to our pressure to change. Let’s continue to share the truth of God’s Word, but let’s allow God to do the convicting. 

Insight: Have you been pressuring someone to change? Will you let God do the convicting instead?