Tired of being the messenger...

[Slater]

I really am. It's getting nothing God. He chose to give me the fire to tell others about His word, but that doesn't matter if nobody listens. Like today, I was telling another weak Christian that the Word of God is infallable and that its message is simple (he says that it's too complicated for any mortal to understand its true meaning, which contradicts parts of Paul's writings in 2Cor), and he got all mad at me, saying that I was trying to make myself into God and calling me an "arrogant little fundamentalist". I also spoke to a secular forum, telling them that Christians aren't Christ and that even humans need to deal with a sin nature and went as far as to admit that I was regretfully a porn addict... the result? I got flamed and laughed at to the point that I wanted to put my fist through my monitor.

I'm really tired of what God puts on my heart. Something like this happens every time. Either those who I talk to don't listen, or they take what I say out of context and try to use it against me. If I had it my way, it wouldn't be God's way. I know that's not good thing, but... I just feel like I need a long spiritual vacation, away from the work and toil of what I so often have to put up with.

[Stephen]

I think the problem may lie in your way of delivering, not what your delivering. Example, you call the other person a "weak Christian" thats not your place guy. God knows there heart. You can speak to them and try to help...but to trash talk on em behind there back? That seems counterproductive. As far as talking on a secular forum, yeah...admitting somthing like a porn problem is gonna get you flamed. Why? Because people without faith...search hard for problems with people who have faith to make themselves feel better. Somtimes people need to be told that yes, we are trying to live life for the Lord...but we are still human and we still fall short. My advise? Take some time away from the Internet. When you come back, try to approach people with a more humble heart. I have only said this to help...if you feel I am way off, ignore my words and do what you want. I will be praying for you though.

[ChristianKitsune]

I agree with Ark on this. When you approach someone with Christ, it shouldn't be out or anger or judging. It should be out of LOVE. Christ never went up to someone and demanded that they follow him...he always talked to them with Love.

At the same time, maybe you were able to plant a seed. Just because thier reaction isn't instantaneous, doesn't mean it didn't affect them.

I know the feeling though, there are so many people who I want to change.. but then I must realize.. I CAN'T change anyone.. only through the Holy Spirit and a willing heart can any change occur..

I will pray for you, and I will also pray for your friend to grow stronger!

[Puritan]

I think Ark made excellent points, but I wanted to address another part of what you said.

He chose to give me the fire to tell others about His word, but that doesn't matter if nobody listens.

I think I have to respectfully disagree. God tells people to bring His word to people for many purposes, some of which we may never understand. One person may bring the word of God to thousands of people and see great numbers of people come to Christ, while another may also bring the word to thousands and no-one responds, or the people may even hurt or martyr them. Does that make the message brought by the person who was ignored meaningless? By no means! God works in mysterious ways, and it is often difficult to know if your message has made a difference. You may in fact never see people come to Christ, but the message of God can slumber in their hearts for years before it blossoms. Often one person sows while another reaps, and neither should envy the other. Even apart from that, remember that God also uses your witnessing to change you. Even if you spend your life bringing the word of God to people who never respond, that doesn't make your work meaningless if that is what God has you do. How He uses the experience to work in you and those around you is difficult to see or to predict, and we must have faith in God that His plan will be carried out.

I will pray for you, and hope that your likely vacation will bring you closer to God and help you work through your problems.

[Syreth]

Good advice all around. Read Matthew 5. You'll be blessed for those comments that make you wanna put your fist through your screen. Just bear them patiently, make sure you're doing your best to get along with others and rejoice when you get to suffer for the name of Jesus. Nearly all of the prophets in the OT were persecuted by their own people when God put a message on their hearts. Don't give up and you'll reap a harvest if you don't grow weary. I'll continue to pray for you. Hope you are encouraged.

[holysoldier5000]

I’m reminded of the OT prophets. Talk about some guys that had a rough time preaching God’s message. Or even the NT Apostles who where reviled and stoned for what they preached. Being a missionary isn’t easy. But it is worth it! Did you know that God rewards faithful servants? Check out these verses:

“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven.â€

[Jack Bond]

I made a similar effort to members on a different message board. I went about it the wrong way as well. I was very pushy, and they made fun of me and had very heated arguments with me. After a while, I realized what I was doing wrong and appologized and instead of pushing my religion on them, I tried stating my opinions and leaving it at that. I set an example also by being as good a person as I could in front of them. In the end, I had to leave, but I think my presence helped somewhat. Not only did they stop making fun of me but they actually liked my presence (Most of them that is). Even those who hated me the most felt better towards me. They all missed me when I left, and I think my behavior won't be forgotten in them.

[Yumie]

I think, primarily, it helps to think twice over how you're going to say what you're going to say before you say it. For instance, if you are condescending, then the person you're talking to is going to feel like you think that they're stupid. Then, they'll just get mad at you, and of course they won't listen. But, if you do it lovingly and humbly (which the Bible says is the way to go,) then people will feel like you just genuinely want to help them, and that will make them FAR more open to what you are saying. Not to say you necessarily fitted into the former category in either of the instances that you stated, since I didn't see them and have no idea. Mostly, the second attitude that I mentioned is just a good rule of thumb to go by. But I agree with Ark, it's definitely not a good idea to bring up a prior porn addiction when trying to relate Christianity to non-Christians. Because, sadly, non-Christians do not grasp anything about what living a Christian life is like. Most think that we believe that once you're a Christian, you'll magically turn into a good person. And that simply doesn't happen. It's a work in progress, a race we're running every day of our lives. But if they don't get that, then they won't understand that stumbling as you're running the race is a given. So, don't feel bad about them laughing at you. Just. . . don't mention the addiction next time . :-P

[Bianca]

Well these days, there are A LOT of Fundementalists out there that really shove their reigion down others throats. Even if your intentions are good, people often will overract to them because they have had bad experiences with these people, and misunderstand you.

I don't think you should blame God for your feelings. We are not tools, we make up our own feelings based on life.Your strong faith was not instilled in you at birth, its something you have grown up with, and grown to really cherish. You shouldn't fear it, rather, you should watch whom you talk to about these things. Lots of people "don't want to hear it",and are often offended when you challenge their own personal feelings. Let those who feel that way be, its their choice afterall. I think we all have to learn to make up our mind on our feelings..and our faith. Its one of those things about us that are stubbron.I hope none of this sounds like..offensive for anything, I really meant to be slightly encouraging. I guess the bottom line is, you are FINE the way you are, but those people are as well. If you don't feel you can persuade them, just try to be their friend ^^

[Rogie]

While I respectfully disagree with Bianca, I must say that she does acknowledge in a roundabout way that we each have a free will. You may never know if your testimony is doing anyone any good and whether a lost person who hears (or sees) your witness will ever be saved. But it is their decision and they will make it, often without you knowing for a while or ever.

What you, I, and every other Christian in this world need to continually realize, remember, and remind ourselves is that, in the end, we really don't matter. But due to God's love for us, we somehow matter. We are nothing, but His acknowledgement of us makes us something. Really, we are to be used by Him for His purposes, and we may never know what those purposes are. The important thing is that we obey when He commands us.

Remember: Plant the seeds, and God will take care of the rest. You may never see what sprouts, but that doesn't mean you did nothing.

Regarding the manner of your witness, I agree with others that you should take a step back and realize what you're saying to others. We're supposed to do the Lord's work with as much love as we can muster and without judgment. Prayerfully consider how you're testifying and "strategize." Ask God how you can reach each person and if you even should reach certain people. Sometimes just being quiet and not saying anything in prayer for a little while can open your heart and mind to "hearing" God's voice.

[freerock1]

I agree with much of what has been said about using wisdom in the approach. We need to speak the truth, but we need to speak it in love.

I also want to echo what Rogie said about planting seeds. This is something that the Lord has been dealing with me about lately. Remember what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 3, that he had planted and Apollos had watered, but God gave the increase. It's not you who does the work on their hearts, but God. That's not to say we shouldn't witness, but as we're faithful to proclaim the Word, it should take a load off our minds as far as feeling like we have to "get them saved." You might never see them come to Christ in this life, but as you're faithful to plant the seeds, it may be that God will send someone else into their lives to water and cultivate that seed, and that eventually they will come to Christ.

My advice would be to pray for wisdom on how to speak the truth in love before (and even during) these conversations, and pray that God would open their hearts and that the seed you've planted would come to fruition.

One final Scripture that I want to point out is Galatians 6:9: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart."

Lifting you up, bro. Be encouraged, and keep us posted on how it goes.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

Puritan made an excellent point. Yes you may not be digging out lost souls from hell and having your arms get burnt. But you are doing something. You may be offering that hand, or pulling down a ladder, or helping them go up a few steps. We aren't always called to "rescue lost souls" rather sometimes plant a little seed which other people will water and care. Not everyone can be the hands, some people are the mouth, and some people are the legs ya know? Not saying you should be content with only doing a small part, just know that you are playing a bigger role than you think.

[Mave]

I've just read something at Daily Bread today, which may have relevance: If the load you are carrying seems too heavy for you, it is because you were never meant to carry it alone.

Take a retreat, clear out your mind and talk to God. He'll fill you in with what's going on in your personal life and perhaps, why things are going on the way they are. We all need to surrender our burdens to Him.

I could speculate on what's going on with you (and feel tempted to agree with Ark in some points) but ultimately, God has the Truth and Wisdom so who else better to go to about such matters of the heart?

Meanwhile, will pray for recovery from burnout, peace of heart, humility and strength to overcome porn addiction through His Spirit.

[Anna Mae]

Many good things have been said here. All I have to add is another prayer.