DEALING WITH SKEPTICS

      Do you have family members or close friends who are skeptical of your faith?  That can be painful, making us feel like we have little credibility with those who supposedly know us best. We feel powerless when we see that our words have such little influence.  We often make a fatal mistake.  We choose to talk more!  We're too quick to try to prove a point and defend the work of God in our lives.  Is there a better way to frame our testimony that will draw others into the truth?  I believe so. 

      The first chapter of John reveals the initial conversions of Jesus' disciples; how they heard, how they came, when they believed.  Phillip found his friend, Nathaniel, and said, "We have found Him of whom Moses and the Prophets spoke, Jesus of Nazareth."   Such wonderful news!  Shouldn't Nathaniel have been ecstatic?  Yes, but skeptically he asked, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"  Phillip did not launch into rationales or lengthy discourses to try to prove Jesus was the Messiah.  His answer was short, but powerful. "Come and see!"

          Let's face it!  Not even parents, spouses, children, or friends are unanimously swayed by our powerful stories.  They are blinded for so many reasons; including the ways our humanness disqualifies the validity of Christ.  I recognize the wisdom of Phillip's challenge, "Nathaniel, come and see for yourself!"  The story ends with Nathaniel hearing things from Jesus about himself that only God could know.  Nathaniel's eyes were opened at that instant and he, with astonishment, believed.

      When we challenge others to try Jesus for themselves, we leave them in good hands.  He, who created their minds, reads their objections, stills their fears, and dismantles the framework of their deceptive rationales. 

You know who I'm thinking of right now, Lord.  May Your love enlighten them.

Change icy skepticism into passionate abandon. Amen