All parents of teenagers know what it's like to attempt to guide a teenager from the error of his way. Their words of wisdom are often met with disrespect or anger and immediately disregarded: "I know what I'm doing. Back off with your BS."
What about friends who see other friends choices leading them to a cliff? Have you ever tried to pull them back as they rush toward the edge only to be met with distain for sounding an alarm? "I'm fine. Stop worrying. I've got this."
As a Christian, have you experienced an abrupt rejection by a non-believer who quickly disregarded anything you were ABOUT TO SAY (never actually got the words out) with a quick and brash backlash, "I'm not interested. I'm not interested!!!
Whether children, friends, or non-believers, as followers of the Bible and principals of Jesus, we value all our relationships and want to share our faith out of love and concern. Even if it's uncomfortable to hear sometimes, we know how it can help them as it did us. Unfortunately, our desire to help can be met with resistance more often than not.
The Bible often speaks of scorners, scoffers, and mockers. Today I want to look at the word scoffer. The Bible goes into great detail about them and so I was curious why the word scoffer is used so frequently. A scoffer is defined as one who mocks the things of God. Scorners are unteachable because they refuse to listen (Proverbs 9:8, 13:1) The Bible actually says it can be a waste of time and effort to show a scorner the error of their way acknowledging they cannot find the wisdom they need to find solutions or peace of mind because they are already convinced of their own opinion. The Bible is specific, even telling us through scriptures scoffers can be a source of strife and contention on us because they resent correction, they cause trouble for those who try to show them truth (Proverbs 9:7, 15:12). Examples:
Mockers avoid the wise (Provers 15:12) SO TRUE
He who hates reproof is unwise (Proverbs 12:1)
The one who hates correction will die (spiritually) Proverbs 15:10)
Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed without remedy (Proverbs 29:1)
A fool spurns a parent's discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence (Proverbs 15:5)
Correction or guidance should not be viewed negatively. The Bible actually frames friendly admonishment as a path to growth.
There is such an increase of scoffers in our world today. Scorn has never had a wider audience! Biblical wisdom is now being rejected in favor of emotion and human opinion. We are all vulnerable to becoming scorners if we do not stay in the Word of God. Scripture teaches we have the weapons we need to keep from "sitting in the seat of the scornful" when we voluntarily subject every idea and opinion to the scrutiny of the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. By this, we can protect ourselves from the often seductive words of the scorner.
As Christians, we are called to share the love and message of Jesus Christ with others. This sacred commission encompasses spreading His teachings of love, grace, and forgiveness and conveying the truth about what the Bible says regarding non-believers. So what happens to non-believers according to the bible exactly? According to Scripture, this involves discussing topics like salvation, eternal life, and the consequences of rejecting faith in Christ. While it is often a difficult and sensitive topic to address, it remains vital in our comprehension of salvation and God’s overarching plan for humanity.
Other religions which are found throughout the world, attempt in different ways to overcome the restlessness of people’s hearts by outlining a program of life covering doctrine, moral precepts, and sacred rites. The world will openly accept without question, every other religion, philosophy, ideology, doctrine, dogma, worldview, or credo OUTSIDE CHRISTIANTY. Why? It's curious when no other faith but belief in Jesus is looked upon with distain, derision, contempt, scorn and beneath consideration by the masses especially when He is the only one that died for every soul born so we wouldn't have to die eternally. "Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). Jesus dd that.
All other belief systems teach that you pull the strings of your own destiny by either ascending, earning, securing or procuring reward through result of your own personal effort, merit, or labor. These system require you to do something to earn and attain "nirvana," "enlightenment," "awakening," "salvation," etc. AND NOTICE, NO MATTER HOW HARD THOSE WHO SUPPORT THESE BELIEFS TRY, NOTHING IS EVER ACHIEVED. If it were, they wouldn't need another life to come back and do it again as a plant or cow or a demi-god, whatever. There is no assurance in those belief systems, just a "hope" that what you believe is true. You will NEVER reach perfection through your own efforts! It's impossible.
There is assurance in Jesus shown in: John 8:31-32, John 14:6, Luke 9:23.. THE way, THE truth, THE life. ONE. Not a religion, a relationship!
Jesus requires no effort, no perfection on our part to obtain salvation. He achieved that right for every person on this globe through His death on the cross- covering our sins- and taking the punishment for everything we deserve- if we'll only believe. Choosing Him is free, the price has already been paid.
Until He Comes,
-Pat-
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