Is it a Christian’s job to convert others to Christianity?

Someone asked me that question recently and as usual, I didn’t really have a well thought out reply, it isn’t something I’ve sat and studied and worked out in my own mind exactly what my position is. Maybe that’s a good thing in some cases, though its mostly due to my own laziness.

The answer I gave was that “My job is to give the best possible presentation. Because its possible all religions are false but impossible that they are all true.”

On the drive home I felt the need to reflect more deeply. Perhaps write a paragraph or two and give it back to the gentleman. So, here is that effort of reflecting more deeply and seeing where it leaves me:

A popular song from the austrailian “worship band” hillsong has the lyrics “All my life is meant for just one thing, and that’s to know you, Jesus, and to make you known.

While that is just a song I think there is a great deal of truth a biblical study behind it.

Is it my job…..

No. I believe that God gave free will to all. To convert a math problem to an answer requires work on my part I need to force something to happen. Thinking logically, God gave free choice because if we had no choice but to do right or choose Him where would the glory be? Why would God give someone free choice for me to take that away from someone (or them) and force something upon them (which usually makes anyone more apprehensive and resistant)

My job IS to live out my life serving God to the best of my ability which I fail at daily.

And present an image of someone trying to be Christ like to others and let them make that choice of their own volition. Perhaps the Holy Spirit will help the gears turn in their mind one way or another to facilitate understanding without forcing a choice but that is up to God, not me.

In closing, I am persuaded that active persuading is not my job, trying to convince people of some idea or ideology usually sours their opinion of it. I still haven’t met a child who went to catholic school that came out a more devoted catholic. I have however met many children forced to goto catholic school who now hate the whole idea of Christian beliefs more than most people.

Some other thoughts:

We will hit what we aim at. This gentleman aims to not be a bad person and has clearly spent much time evaluating the best way to achieve that. Most Americans aim to do good 60% of the time and only when it’s convenient. I aim to follow the teachings of Christ more than most but not nearly as much as I should… and I have hit my target bulls eye for some time now.

Anyways, I’d like some input. I intend to write something like a one page reply to give to this young man at my next class this Thursday.