The Goal

I've heard this far too often: "Why do you Christians feel like you need to force your beliefs onto us?" I can imagine that this is often the feeling an unbeliever gets from us. We're adamant that this is the right thing, certain that Christ is the only way, and positive that our views and values are good for everyone. Now, that sounds arrogant ... and forceful.

Of course, there are two things missing from that perspective. The first is ... what if it's all true? You see, if it is true that human beings are sinners, destined for damnation, in need of a Savior, then we would be remiss in telling them ... all. If godly living makes for better living, it isn't arrogant to say so. If Jesus really is the only way, then saying it is true isn't arrogant ... it's true.

The other missing component is hinted at in the first. If it is true, then we would be remiss in telling them. That is, if the people around us about whom we care are in danger of God's wrath, in what sense would it be kind or loving to ignore it? Anyone who has ever lost a loved one and is fairly confident that they didn't go to heaven when they died can understand what I'm talking about. It's not vindication. It's not "I told you so." It's grief upon grief. There is the personal loss of that loved one compounded by the eternal loss. It is unpleasant ... and that is intended as an extreme understatement. So the primary motivation isn't "We want to hammer you with the truth." The primary motivation is love.

Lest you think I'm just pulling this rabbit out of a hat, you'll find the same thing in Scripture. In Paul's first letter to Timothy, he tells him to stay in Ephesus for a few reasons. One of them is to "charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine" (1 Tim. 1:3). That is, one of his primary purposes in Ephesus was to correct false teaching. Paul is not unclear on the aim of this command:

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith (1 Tim. 1:5).

The purpose for Timothy to correct false doctrine and those who teach it is love. In Galatians 6:1 and James 5:19-20 we are called not to merely correct errors, but to "restore" or "bring back" wandering brothers. It is not for vindication; it is because we care. Indeed, the hallmark of a Christian is love (John 13:35). The fact that it is often not true among Christians is not a contradiction to the veracity of the statement, but an indictment of those calling themselves Christians.

The goal is not to force our beliefs onto others. The goal is to defend the truth (Jude 1:3) because we care about those around us. Now, it is likely a given that those around us will continue to think of us as "forcing your beliefs on us," but you, Christians, remember that the mark of a true follower of Christ is love. Let that be your primary motivation.