Clearing Up Some Things
...the first attempt to really press things with _____ went badly—not so much that there was a lack of clarity on my part this time (though it could have been better for sure). He severely resisted and resented any suggestion that there is anything wrong with his attitude or actions—so much so that he hung up on me after saying that what I was trying to talk to him about was none of my business. It seemed like an attempt at an e-mail was the next thing, for more light and opportunity for humility and repentance on his part (and absolute clarity on ours)....
Hi there ....FIRST you should settle it in your heart: IT DOESN’T GO ‘BADLY’ JUST BECAUSE THEY DON’T RESPOND WELL. OUR JOB is to make sure they get clearly and lovingly and thoroughly into the “Valley of Decision.” IF we do THAT, “IT WENT GREAT.” Whether the “Aroma of Life” or the “stench of death”—MAKING THINGS GO WELL is not our part. To “proclaim it clearly, as we ought”—THAT is our part, along with much prayer.
Frankly, it sounds like he is an organic paper weight (“BROAD is the road that leads to destruction”) and if you’ve done the best you can, IT IS NOT YOUR PROBLEM. “Jesus Statistics” say you have a MUCH greater chance of running into chaff than wheat (“FEW will be those who find It”)—and you and I have to live with that fact. It ONLY “goes badly” if we have misrepresented Jesus by compromise, soft-selling, fear, man-pleasing, or lack of Love!
Love,
1/14/2002
