When a person finds the truth and is set free by hearing, believing, and obeying the Word of God, it is natural for that person to have a desire to share the good news of the Gospel with others. However, it can be very discouraging to both new converts and mature Christians when the truth is revealed to others who reject it and refuse to change. There are many excuses given by those who refuse to change after learning the truth, and here are a few examples which seem to be common:

“What would my friends and family think?” (Fear of Rejection) – Jesus said that we must put Him before friends and family: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37; cf. John 12:42, 43).

“If I change, then that means I must give up what I love!” (Worldliness) – Although a person may not be honest enough to say these words aloud, this is often what one is thinking when he learns the truth and realizes that some sinful activity must now be forsaken. Listen to God: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15-17).

“Well, we are all trying to get to the same place.” (Denominationalism) – If all the opposing doctrines of denominations are “OK,” then why did Peter write that many take the Holy Scriptures and twist them “unto their own destruction”? (2 Peter 3:16). Why did Paul tell Christians that they had been removed from Christ because they followed the teachings of those who “would pervert the Gospel of Christ”? (Galatians 1:6, 7). Why did Paul twice write that if anybody preaches Christ in a “distorted” way, “let him be accursed”? (Galatians 1:8, 9). Jesus gave us a glimpse into the events of the Judgment Day, and He specifically stated that many “religious” people who had believed in Him and done many works in His name would be sent to torment (Matthew 7:21-23). We must find and obey the true will of the Father to be saved, and the only way we can all “get to the same place” is by letting the Word of God be our only authority! (1 Corinthians 1:10-13; Ephesians 4:14; Colossians 3:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:1, etc.).

“But we have always done it this way!” (Tradition) – Jesus said it is quite possible to hold on to religious tradition that actually amounts to the rejection of God: “And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition” (Mark 7:9). We must make sure that everything we are doing has authority from Christ behind it (Colossians 3:17).

Christians who are trying to teach others the truth today need to remember that even Christ was rejected by men who had learned the truth (John 12:42, 43). When people reject the truth today, they are not rejecting us, but Christ! May we never refuse to change after learning the truth.

Jason Hilburn

When people reject us, and the Gospel, just remember what Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:12, " That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day," and 1 Peter 4:12, "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."

To repent means to change. It is a change of mind that results in a change of action. If one's action doesn't change, he has not repented.

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--Laura

O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.
Jeremiah 10:23 (NKJV)

Great post brother!