I read an article yesterday in reference to the Gospel and a statement which startled me.  “He has to be sold before he can do a selling job.”  In a sense the statement is true, for we are teaching the Gospel and trying to convert people to Christianity,  but let’s not phrase the Gospel in business terms as though we were Wall Street.

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles o the oracles of God;  and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.  For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the Word of righteousness:  for he is a babe.  But strong meat belongeth to them that are full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”     Hebrews 5:12-14

I believe I know the meaning they had behind the statement, but perhaps didn’t state it as clearly as they should.  How would you feel upon hearing these words?   No one wants to be looked upon as though they were a commodity or product to be sold an idea.  It becomes nothing more than a sales job, and once the person is sold, the seller moves on.  This is not how Christians are to view people.  New converts, who obey the Gospel need much encouragement.

Is this not how we are with children when they are learning to walk?   We don’t let them fend for themselves, but encourage them, and when they fall, we help them back up, and urge them to try again, until one day they are walking on their own.

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby:. . . .”     I Peter 2:2

It is true, a new convert needs to study on their own, but there will be many questions about various subjects in which they need teaching, and it cannot all be learned in a few lessons.  Just as the child I referred to, it takes much time, patience, kindness, encouragement, persistence and study to help them grow spiritually in Christ.

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and forever.  Amen.”     II Peter 3:18

“But speaking the Truth in love, may grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  From Whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
Ephesians  4:15-16

“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;  That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; . . . .”     Colossians 1:9-10

May we always remember, we too were once new converts.

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love:  Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:2-3

Eileen Light