I used to care a great deal if people agreed with me or not. My thinking was that my thinking was right, and if others thought differently, they were going to hurt themselves and others, so I should do all in my power to convince them I was right so that they could avoid the negative consequences of being wrong.
Over time, I've taken a more laid back approach. I realize that I can't make people believe what I believe nor should I try. I frequently do share my views as I debate with others, but I don't see it as me revealing the truth and someone else either accepting or rejecting it as I used to view it. Now, I see it as me both sharing my views and listening to the views of others in the hopes that we both can learn from each other. I've also come to realize that there is a lot I don't know, and though I do take a firm stand on what I think is right, I try to keep in mind that I might be wrong and the other person might be right. How can I expect anyone to consider my views if I don't sincerely consider theirs?
I used to knock on people's doors and tell them about Jesus. It was what I was taught to do when I was a kid, so I did it through my teen years, and occasionally, it did work. I know it annoys most people, but then you find someone who was looking for God, and things click. However, I grew out of this shortly after adulthood because I heard so many people talk about how annoying it was to get people banging on your doors, and I experienced it a few times myself and was annoyed, so I decided that was not the way to do things. I'll share spiritual things on my mind occasionally with people I know and am always willing to respond when someone asks my thoughts on a matter, but I don't bang on people's doors to "witness." As of a few years ago though, I did go door to door and try to get kids to come to church on a Sunday School bus route. This does work quite well and rarely annoys people because most parents are delighted to have a few hours of peace and quiet Sunday mornings with their kids at a free babysitter, and I would do this again if I became involved in another bus ministry.
I don't look down on anyone, religious or otherwise, who tries to share their views with the world, but it should be done humbly and politely, and if someone doesn't want to hear, there is no reason to press them. Still, I understand that even the pushy people are motivated by good intentions, so as long as they are not being belligerent, I don't condemn them.
Log in to comment