context: Judges 6-8 and other
Me: ...You mentioned Gideon and his son acting the way they did because of the influence of the people. I agree with that. I 100% think people should be held accountable for their actions and be held responsible. They most likely weren't forced to do what they did or say what they said. But I also think we should look at what or who influenced the person. Let us look at why they did what they did. How could it have been prevented it? So many times for behavioral issues, one traces the action and emotion(s) and words back to the way they were raised (I assume). And I think that can be applied with Gideon. He didn't learn from his father's mistakes (same for his kid) and the people/community/peers didn't contribute to his "growth". If society isn't right with God, how can you expect to be if you're one in the mass? (Apply to Gideon).
Emi: ...we can't forget our individuality in all of us to make our own decisions. That's what makes us separate from the world...we chose to be (separated). I think it's a great balance of being influenced in the right way through a Godly community that you follow; and your own heart in the decision to move forward (as a Christian) and be different because of that. Gideon's son had a war in his heart and he submitted to it like a lot of us want to do. But if we don't (submit to sin), God can do great work. I think that's a major key to breaking this sin cycle. You have to be balanced and consistently be in the Word.
Me: I completely agree with what you said. The sin cycle may exist until our last days, but we need to at least make an effort to break it. Also...I think another reason people don't spread the gospel (besides fear and feeling inadequate...and I like what you said, "The biggest test of faith is sharing your faith.") is because of selfishness. It's like...why would I spend MY time and MY effort on preaching to others? It's not what I want to do. (Key word "I"). It's not what I desire. And as you may know...teenagers are such conceited selfish people. Not all of course. I think the Christian youth who think that way don't completely understand faith. But who am I to speak on their faith and their walk and their relationship with Christ? We are all different...our mindsets are. The only similarity (for Christians) is to become like Christ. Not to be Christ, but to be like Him. He's the one we should want to be like morally. (On selfishness), if you're inhabiting the Holy Spirit and your sowing (the bare minimum) that mustard seed of faith...you'll reap the fruit of the Spirit. Those fruits should be pouring out of you (not literally lol). I think if you are truly and completely and wholly sowing the everything of Christ (and nothing else), you will be able to preach selflessly and wholeheartedly. The preaching will come naturally. But if you are allowing yourself to sow and reap worldly things, that is when the excuses present themselves. You will have to be convinced to preach. And what is the use of preaching and sharing Christ if it is forced? Or if it took convincing? There should be a genuine want in you. But I also think it takes some time to get to that point of confidence and trust and faith. You should start with just a mustard seed of faith; but nurture it and get it growing! But it all goes back to you and your decision to walk with the Lord. That change...and to take that leap of faith is what holds us back from reaching a point where we can obtain our true purpose in life for Christ, through Christ, and because of Christ; as well as our true potential, you know?
