“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Romans 10:14

Who Will Tell Them?

One of my favorite old movies is “The King and I.” Remember Yul Brenner’s shiny, bald head as he taught his many children that his country, Siam, was the biggest country on the earth? When the new teacher came and showed them a real map of the world where Siam was a tiny country, the children didn’t believe her. They had been taught a lie over and over, and since they had no resources telling them differently—since no alternative views had been presented—they had no reason to be any the wiser.

Most children believe what they are told, even if they are told lies. When they mature, they have to deal with the fallout. Huge conflict arises within them as they begin to hear alternative views. To be fair, often the adults telling the lies believe and live them themselves. No one ever convinced them differently.

I’m thinking particularly of people who have put their faith in something or someone other than the one true God. Somewhere along the way in life, they’ve been lied to, whether maliciously or with every good intention. Perhaps they have no resources that teach them differently. Perhaps they’ve heard no alternative views. They’re stuck on the wrong road with no one to guide them. More to the point, they see no reason to leave the road they’re on.

I often find it hard to speak up when a person living a lie comes into my life. They are offended at what they see as a superior attitude on my part, trying to get them to see things my way. No matter how fervent I am in my belief that change is needed and available, they want to be accepted for who they are. They don’t want to be thought of as “needing to be fixed.”

The Jews of Jesus’ day could not let go of their traditions and expectations. They missed the Son of God when He came. They did not see their Messiah. So it is today with many religions. They may have a bit of twisted truth to stand on, but it will prove to be sinking sand after all.

What is a common person to do? I’ve mined the depths of my own heart on this matter, and can’t find any easy answers. Everything I can think of sounds trite and patronizing.

“God will give you the words.”

“Just love ‘em.”

“Stand up for truth.”

“Don’t be afraid.”

All easy to say, hard to do—and part of the answer.

Maybe you can jump into this discussion and tell the rest of us your experiences with this sort of thing. For me, right now, I pray that those who have lived and believed a lie about the Son of God will have their spiritual eyes opened up to truth. Nothing is impossible for God; He has the ability to change minds. His words always accomplish what He sent them for.

One thing is certain: the gospel must be shared.

Father, we are weak when we should be strong. May we be willing to say what You say when the moments come our way, for Your Word is true and cannot fail. Amen.