I Quit

Sharing our faith is difficult—profound, I know. We may be rooted in the gospel, rightly motivated, and determined to overcome barriers that prevent us from sharing. We may pray for conversations that lead to planting a seed or seeing others repent and surrender for the very first time. In short, we may strive to see lost sinners found. And yet, when we don’t receive the life-changing reaction we hoped for or expected, we’re discouraged. It’s easy to say, “I’ve done all I can do,” feeling content to move on.  When we experience resistance to the gospel, or when progress seems improbable, can we just give up?

“I mean, obviously I’m not giving up on evangelism, but… do I still have to share the gospel with them? Doesn’t the Bible say I shouldn’t cast pearls before pigs, and I’m allowed to shake the dust off my feet and move on?” 

Questions like this are tough to walk through, especially when real people and specific situations are involved. Whether it’s a prodigal family member or a friend who has gone astray, we should all wrestle with our answer to the question, “Can I give up?” Though there is much to be said on this topic, let’s unpack a few principles that might help us think through it.  

Don’t Give Up 

I know I’m starting with the cheesiest, most cliche sounding advice, but it’s true. As Christians, we do not give up. When Christ was ridiculed and mocked, He endured for His people. He selflessly gave Himself up. As His ambassadors throughout this world, we should strive for that same humility. We don’t give up on others because we serve a God who is patient, longsuffering, and does not desire that any should perish. 

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9

Our God did not give up on us. I’m often reminded of question twenty of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, “Did God leave all mankind to perish in the estate of sin and misery?” Before getting to their answer, we can’t help but loudly proclaim, “No!” Our God did not give up on us, so how could we possibly give up on others? 

Be Wise 

My youth pastor had one rule: Don’t be dumb. What a great rule for an impulsive freshman boy! Similarly, wisdom and discernment should influence every action we take. This rule helps us navigate our intentional pursuit of others and how to avoid being trampled over like pearls under pigs. Jesus tells His followers to turn the other cheek and to not be surprised when persecution comes, yet we don’t see believers in Acts running to crucifixions, getting in line at the gallows, and handing out tracts to Nero. In the same way, we don’t continue to corner friends who ridicule us for our faith, nor do we drone on about the Romans Road to an estranged family member who will only avoid us more as a result. We need to be wise and spiritually discerning about how to model Christlikeness and share the gospel with each person.

We must also remember that not all neutral or negative reactions are the same. For some, the next step is to continue conversation. For others, it might be to step back a bit and trust in the Spirit’s work. For me, this most often means, “Stop being a jerk and love others like Christ.” We must constantly remind ourselves (or be reminded) that God does not often work how we expect. His ways are higher than our own, much like His calling of Ananias to pursue Saul—a man who, without a shadow of a doubt, was going to kill him. 

Change Your Lens 

I think the biggest principle in this conversation is to take a step back and look with a wider lens. Going back to the agricultural analogy in 1 Corinthians 3—some people plant, others water, and some harvest. The Lord uses certain people and their giftings to harvest more often while others regularly plant or water without seeing the end results. When we feel discouraged—like we should give up—let’s remember how God measures success. Instead of being upset when faced with resistance or rejection, as if we failed, let’s be thankful that God is using us to plant or water. Let’s turn to prayer, trusting that He will grow the seed that’s been planted and bring another along to harvest it.  

Evangelism is tough. There are times where we might feel unfruitful—like we aren’t really reaching people as we ought, or like we’re doing something wrong. In times of discouragement, let’s first remember the gospel—the ultimate sacrifice, let’s wisely discern how we are to continue reaching each unique person, and most importantly, let’s measure success the right way. Faithfully walking out these three principles will undoubtedly make us more effective and eager to press on.