Proverbs 24:11 - Deliver those who are drawn away to death, and those who totter to the slaughter, hold them back [from their doom].
Ezekiel 3:18 - If I say to the wicked, You shall surely die, and YOU do not give him warning or speak to warn the wicked to turn from his wicked way, to save his life, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at your hand.
Proverbs 31:26 - She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].Totter to the slaughter. Do you see that Christian friend of yours as they are walking hesitantly down the wrong path. They are tottering in their feelings and emotions. They are wavering, but led by an emotional pull to follow what "feels good." They focus on "self." This is what I want! This is what I deserve! It's MY life, this makes ME happy. Maybe it's an unbeliever, a co-worker, high school or college friend, someone you know who has NOT accepted Jesus as their Savior. They continue down the path of the world, with one ultimate outcome if nothing changes. Death. Hell. Eternal destruction. On that day, they get to the pearly gates and their name is not on the list, so they are cast down to damnation. Would they ask you the question? Why didn't YOU tell me? We were friends. Why didn't YOU let me know the importance of this decision? Why didn't YOU make it important enough for me to see it?
In either case, it sometimes may put us as a believer in an uncomfortable situation. Maybe you have watched this friend walking down the wrong path, all the while, feelings of frustration and maybe even anger are welling up inside of you. You see the decisions that are being made, soaked in self. Soaked in 'it's my right.' Soaked in everything but commitment and selflessness.
Maybe now is the time for you to open your mouth. It says the Proverbs 31 woman opens her mouth in skillful & godly Wisdom. However, it does not say it is easy for her to open her mouth. It does not say that the words she says came easily. I would anticipate, she sometimes had to address the difficult subjects. I would guess she has had to confront the uncomfortable situations, maybe even call someone out. Maybe truly having to "call it like it is." While everyone else stands by, watches silently as this person heads down the path of destruction. I would anticipate at times, though risking maybe even a friendship to open her mouth, she opens her mouth in attempts to SAVE her friend or family member. In love, but risking their very relationship!
Have you had that conversation? Is there someone in your life who YOU need to address the tough questions with? A Christian friend tottering, going the wrong way? A Non-Christian friend living every day as a risk without knowing Jesus?
We know the outcome of the non-believer. It tells us in Ezekiel plainly. They shall surely die. Here is the kicker, it also reprimands US if we do not warn them. If we do not open our mouth! If I say to the wicked, You shall surely die, and YOU do not give him warning or speak to warn the wicked to turn from his wicked way, to save his life, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood will I require at your hand.
His blood, her blood, that guilt will be on MY conscience, YOUR conscience. It will be on OUR hands if we don't attempt to warn them. WARN them. That's all! Warn them. Give them fair warning of where they are going. Give them fair warning of the danger that lies ahead if they continue down that path. Once we have done that, we can rest assured that we have at least done our part. We have at least warned them. Sure, praying for them is still good if they choose not to change their ways, but at least the blood will not be on our hands.
Who needs to hear from you today? Who needs a wake-up call?
If YOU don't talk to your friend, WHO WILL? Will anyone? Are you the ONLY person who will tell them the truth? If YOU don't, WHO WILL?
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Need a book to read? Check out one of these!
23 Minutes in Hell - Bill Wiese (book or You.Tube Video hyperlinked!)
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