Blinded

By Kevin Hogg

As I sit squinting in the bright sunshine today, I am dwelling upon online conversations with various individuals from the last few days. Specifically, a retired American attorney who happens to be a grandmother. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. As my children roll their eyes muttering, you only go online to argue with people. Not technically true most of the time. Invariably the usual suspects from the atheist/agnostic community join in the conversation.

Usually my first thought is, if they do not believe in God why do they waste energy discussing/arguing with bible believers on a denominational Christian page. I can only conclude for some of them and this is incredibly sad, they want to believe and are unable to, for a variety of distinct reasons.

What is obvious is that they have become blinded, either by their lack of understanding or their arrogance. This is often demonstrated via scorn, derision, or pride.

And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

“Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what every man wishes, that he also believes to be true.”― Demosthenes.

“Living is Easy with Eyes Closed.” ― John Lennon. Sadly, this is so true of so many people today. Nearly encroaching on ignorance is bliss. However, I must state the obvious, many of us also ascribed to that point of view before we came to the realisation, that we needed to cleanse by the blood of Jesus.

It also seems obvious to me, after the fact, that I am dealing with blind children, groping for answers but unwilling to accept the response. That is frightening and a huge responsibility on us. We are often the pointy end of their interaction with God. How we respond and interact with them could be the catalyst for future change for God or further against. I understand that for some; they are deeply entrenched on their journey to attack God and his church, Paul is a classic example. From our viewpoint it is seems impossible but:

Those who heard it said, “Then who can be saved?” 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” Luke 18:26-27

When it comes to the message of hope, the Gospel of salvation it must be delivered with care, it can, but should not be, used as weapon. Sometimes when dealing with some very antagonistic people it is incredibly hard not to respond in kind. But the message needs to be delivered. It has been often quoted, and it is often correct, we care more for their souls than they do.

We have a responsibility to present Christ to the world as the resurrected Saviour that he is. However unpalatable that seems to the hearer right now.

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Acts 2:37-41