It Is Not Your Fault

(Proverbs 5:12 KJV)  And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

At the moment of writing we are coming to the end of a school year.  We have about two weeks left and some students are approaching the moment when they will briefly pretend that they are changed people and want to know, “What can I do to raise my grade?”  That is what their lips say but in their hearts they are repeating this verse and the next. 

On one level this is discouraging.  As believers we want to help and build people up.  We are natural marks for the parasite con men of our world.  They want to live off our efforts and let us carry them while they kick back and relax.  We can be totally defeated in our efforts. 

On another level I think we should be strengthened.  Their failure is not your fault.  The same Holy Spirit that convicted you and brought you to a point of repentance has been working on their heart.  The same God who knew you before you were born molded their beginning.  The same Jesus died for them.  You are not the reason they refuse to listen.

So?  Keep praying.  Keep witnessing.  Keep caring.  Most of all keep trusting that the God of the universe who sent Jesus to become sin on their behalf has not given up.  Don’t despair.  We have read the book and, in case you didn’t notice, we win.  I hope the concerns of your heart decide to listen and become part of the winning team.