Can't Make Christians

I've argued with all kinds of people and in the past came to the conclusion that I can't make Christians. I kind of knew that would happen up front, but I'm a little slow sometimes. My buddy David told me that (that I can't do it, not that I'm slow :-)). Duncan said it I think. It makes sense. Only God can make Christians really.

It bummed me out a little until tonight though. Not a lot. Not something I think about that often. Just pops into my head when I'm arguing, debating, discussing, whatever, and getting nowhere.

I had a thought that I'd actually be in a terrible mess if I COULD make Christians.

One aspect of it would be really cool. I could work some evangelistic mojo and *poof* my family member, friend, or co-worker is instantly converted. Awesome. Bear with me and ignore the whole me-centered aspect of what I just said, I promise this is going somewhere.

Now let's think about it for a minute. That dude in the Spiderman movie said "With great power comes great responsibility." I don't have a reason to argue against that. So, crap. I'd have one heck of a burden on my shoulders. If I can make Christians, now I gotta save EVERYBODY!

Paul talked about the gospel advancing even when he didn't mention any conversions. That's it in a nutshell. Our bit is to tell people the truth; God's bit is to do the transformation from the inside out.

So thank God that he made me a Christian. Thank God for his word and boldness to share it with people (though I need a lot more of that boldness thing!). Thank God that he's got the other end of it, or I'd go [more] insane. :-)