Admit it, It is okay...

 “I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” (1Timothy 1:12-14 ESV)

      I know some brilliant people, some believers, some not. I also know some who lack common sense, some believers, some not. Having conversations with believers from either group makes it evident that they know Christ. They understand the gospel and immerse themselves in the Word.

Paul tells us that unbelief is not solely a matter of intellect or abilities. Paul was highly educated; he had a knack for understanding scripture. Paul rose to be highly revered as a Pharisee and devoted to his beliefs. It was not these things that allowed Paul to persecute and murder Christians; it was his unbelief. Paul’s unbelief did not exist because of his intelligence; it existed because of the state and condition of his soul.

We are just like Paul. Like my diverse group of friends above, our intelligence, or lack thereof, is not the reason for unbelief. The reason is the state of our souls. While there are psychological issues in the world, Paul’s life shows it was not due to a mental imbalance. Unbelief exists because the unbeliever will not admit they are wrong. You may love someone who just refuses to admit their unbelief is wrong. The basis for their thoughts and views is wrong, yet they will not admit it.

Unbelief causes prejudices, and the unbeliever twists facts to fit their views. Unbelievers may make statements without evidence to support them. Miracles are one of these facts that are often dismissed. Saying a miracle did not happen because miracles cannot occur is an example of this process. If something cannot happen, it did not occur, even though many believe it did.

It is possible to help one who knows they are ignorant of God. Someone who has never heard of God is more accessible to lead to Christ than one who claims they know Christ when it is obvious they do not know Christ. Someone who has been indoctrinated in a religion other than true Christianity may never come to Christ because they have a belief, although contrary to scripture, that what they believe is correct. I gave up everything I did not know when I came to Christ. I did not know how to live my life for God. I did not know God. I did not know what it meant to have Christ as my Savior. I realized what I did not know and gave up what I thought I knew. I was able to believe it. I knew I was ignorant of God and willing to admit it. The Apostle Paul thought he knew God, but as we read in 1 Timothy, Paul admitted he was ignorant in unbelief.

When someone is in a state of unbelief, there is active resistance to the truth. No one likes admitting they were wrong. I have brothers who read these posts and may question a principle or idea written here. I have no ego. I know I do not know everything and am constantly learning and growing in the Lord. I also admit when I am wrong and correct it. I know there is much more to Christ than I currently understand, and admitting I do not know everything allows me to continue to search and seek His wisdom.

Even when the truth is evidenced before them, unbelievers will still refuse to admit they might be wrong, much less admit to being wrong. They will pointlessly argue the truth, sometimes even to the point of being insulting or hurtful towards the believer presenting the truth. The Reverand Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote that "unbelief is enmity towards God. It is a self-assertion against God." The person who believes not is overwhelmed by another power other than God. The prince of the power of the air has a stranglehold on them. He blinds them, surrounding them in lies.

Belief is not about being more intelligent than someone else. It is not about being educated more than someone else. Belief comes from the ability to admit to yourself that you are wrong. You are on the wrong path. That there is a God, and you do not know Him. Those around you who are deeply in love with the Lord, happy in his peace, content in His blessings, and thankful for his mercies know something you do not know. For humans, this is one of the most challenging things to do: to admit we are wrong.

People of unbelief are blind. They are even blind to the light of God that stands before them. You may be that light of God. It may be an issue of election. It may be an issue of pride. I have learned that someone in this state can only be brought to faith by Christ. Paul on the Damascus Road is the best example of Christ at work.

If you know an unbeliever, do not give up on them. Remember, God works in God’s time, not ours, so as painful as it may be to watch, do not give up on them. Be that light before them. Let your actions plant a seed. Let God’s blessings be an example. If God has chosen them, eventually, they will come to Him.

Peace and Grace!