Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others.

2 Corinthians 5:11

This afternoon, I listened to a sermon on the subject of heaven based on John’s description of the new heaven and the new earth from Revelation 21. In that passage, John describes the how “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away”(Revelation 21:4).

As I thought about that I actually became a little choked up thinking about those I love who will not experience this great day if they remain separated from God. How can I not be compelled to pesuade as Paul is in the passage above?

You may be familiar with Penn Jillette, the taller half of Penn and Teller. In addition to being a magician and performed, he’s a noted atheist, but he some time ago, he also made a most interesting observation regarding those who attempt to persuade others and those who do not.

“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think people shouldn’t proselytize and who say just leave me along and keep your religion to yourself—how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?

I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.”

So, do we feel persuading others is important? Today, let’s evaluate whether or not we are looking for opportunities to persuade others. Let’s consider the “how” tomorrow.