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Many Christians worry about the spiritual condition of their loved ones. We have found everything in Christ and want to share that with our families. We want to be assured that they will be saved, too. What does the Bible have to say about the salvation of our family? What can we do to help our families find Christ?
One of the problems Christians will experience with family members that aren’t Christians is their intimate knowledge of you. If you didn’t become a Christian until you were an adult this will be a special problem. They will be looking for some significant change in you or be watching for you to ‘mess up’. They may also be afraid that you’re going to try and force Christianity on them.
Jesus does warn us that our families may turn us away when we try to tell them about Him. “So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house." (Matthew 13:57 NKJV) He also teaches us to try, “Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you." (Mark 5:19b NKJV)
One way to witness to your family is through example. Let your life be a testimony to the miraculous power of Christ. Put extra effort into your relationships with your family. Let them see you going to church, reading your Bible, living out the Commandments. Perhaps the most significant way to testify is by controlling your tongue. Don’t be drawn into disputes or discord with your family. Let your changed will be evidence to them. "Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.” (Matthew 12:33 NKJV)
Keep an invitation open to your family to attend church with you. Take advantage of holidays like Christmas and Easter when non-churchgoers are more likely to accept an invitation. Welcome your family to join you at special church functions, picnics and presentations. Don’t press too hard but do make certain that your family knows they are welcome to join you. You might also try having family members over for dinner after church. This gives you an opportunity to discuss the sermon and offer your views on how it applies to your life. Be sure to keep the conversation about you; don’t make insinuations about something lacking in your brother’s life or behavior or assumptions about his beliefs. “And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? “ (Matthew 7:3 NKJV)
Making assumptions about the spiritual condition of someone else is risky. You have no way of knowing what is in the heart of another individual, only what is in your own heart. Don’t assume that your family is not saved just because you don’t see evidence of it in their lives. Don’t be judgmental; you’ll only succeed in driving people away from you. This defeats your purpose and closes doors that may be difficult to open again. "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:37 NKJV)
What should be obvious is often overlooked. Keep your family in your prayers. Take your concerns for them to God; ask Him to draw your family members near to Him. Be specific in your prayers; tell God exactly what concerns you. Then, be patient and let Him do the work. Listen for His guidance. “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.” (James 5:16 NAS)
Seek guidance from your pastor and Christian friends. Remember that you’re not Super Christian operating in some spiritual vacuum. It’s easy to start developing a spiritual arrogance that quickly leads to a judgmental, holier-than-thou attitude. You may not be a part of the plan that God has for your loved ones. Sometimes, your only function will be to introduce the idea, plant the seed. Someone else may do the watering and the harvesting.
Keep your eyes on God and let Him make the plan. Listen for His voice and be prepared to do His bidding. Keep a vigilant eye on your own relationship with God and avoid backsliding in your attempts to guide your family to salvation.
Be certain that you know how to present God’s plan of salvation. Be prepared to explain why salvation is necessary and how God has made it possible to be forgiven through Christ. Know the relevant scripture and be able to find the verses. You cannot teach what you do not know. Ephesians 6:17 tells us, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;” (NKJV) We must know the Word to use it effectively. Remember, “…faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. “ (Romans 10:17 NKJV)
Now here’s a word of caution to new Christians. You may be experiencing a genuine exhilaration with your new acceptance into the family of God. This is a wonderful thing. You may want to go out and evangelize the world and that’s great too. But there is much for you to learn. Get comfortable with your new life and learn what Christianity is about. Dedicate as much time as you can to reading and prayer. Christians need to be disciplined in their own study to be good disciples. This caution is not intended to dampen your enthusiasm; it’s only a reminder to know before you teach.
New Christians may not be prepared to teach the plan of salvation, but you are certainly able to bring your friends and family to church with you. You’re certainly qualified to share your excitement. Be aware that your family may not be as excited or interested as you are. Don’t let this discourage you, trust in God and pray for those you are concerned about.
Salvation was the most important thing that ever happened to me. I suppose it is for most Christians. We certainly want our family to be with us when we go to heaven. Tell your family about your experience when you are ready but be prepared for disinterest. Learn all you can, be a dedicated student and a prepared disciple. Trust in God to care for those you care about. Don’t push, pray and ask God for help and guidance. “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. “ (1 Peter 5:7 KJV)
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