I have always been a “fight to the death” person. In some ways, it has been a positive element because it keeps me from giving up easily. But in other ways, my unrelenting stamina has blinded me from knowing when to wave the white flag of surrender. Such was the case when talking to “Ben” about salvation.
Ben was an avid supporter of water baptism for salvation. Although he believed faith in Jesus was a necessary component in the redemption equation, he argued that water baptism caused it to take effect.
I spent months sharing and debating the gospel with Ben. Throughout that time, I provided him with numerous verses identifying salvation as a gift God imparts to sinners when they trust Jesus for it exclusively. I thoroughly explained the meaning of verses he had taken out of context to support his faulty view. I even laid awake nightly, thinking of what to say next or how to present the truth even more clearly so he would understand the simplicity of the gospel. But nothing worked.
Honestly, I was baffled by how someone could look at a bright white cloud in the sky and say it was red with blue polka dots. But that analogy describes Ben’s interpretation of salvation passages, which made my brain hurt. I also grieved over Ben’s continual rejection of the truth. But there was nothing more I could do.
I stayed in the game with Ben much longer than necessary. After becoming extremely frustrated, I prayed about what to do and sensed Jesus had released me from the ongoing conversation. I knew I had done my part to help Ben, and it was time to place him in Jesus’ lap. It was not easy for this “fight to the death” girl, but it was time.
I share that to say this: When you find yourself in similar situations, do all you can to help others know and walk in the truth. But also, pray regularly and be discerning when the Holy Spirit leads you to pull the plug.
It will not be easy to back off if you are anything like me. But sometimes, we end up in God’s way by staying in the game longer than necessary. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is the one who convinces others of the truth, not us. So, be discerning and obey His promptings.
