Push, Pull, or Drag

     My blog has been nagging me to get back to word work, so I will develop this idea that came to me weeks ago through my Bible study in John. In years past, some of the local car lots would advertise a "push, pull or drag" sale.  Meaning your trade-in, even if it wouldn't start, would go a long way toward buying a new vehicle. We never took advantage of these offers, although we have had many cars in push, pull or drag condition, because if we had the money for a nicer car, we would not have been driving those junkers.
     I think we women sometimes use this approach for our loved ones' spiritual growth. We think if we can just push, pull, drag or nag them to the right service, video, book etc., they will emerge a nicer, newer model. While it is definitely God's will for our loved ones to come to Christ and grow in the Lord, He has elected the time and the method as well as the individual. Jesus' interactions with people are almost disappointing in terms of pressing for a commitment. Jesus led his conversations with people to the heart of the matter--their heart. He let them realize their need, but He did not give an altar call, hum "Just as I Am" or manipulate their emotions. He trusted the Holy Spirit to finish what He had begun.
    I know from personal experience that the Spirit is fully capable of pushing, pulling or dragging us to Christ. Yes, I was convicted by those altar calls at church, but I was convinced by the Spirit's voice hammering at me when I was alone with my thoughts in the comfort of my home, and the discomfort of my lost condition.
     Evangelism Jesus style is not nearly as satisfying to us wives and mothers as the push, pull, drag method, but ultimately we want more for our loved ones than outward compliance to Christian behaviors. We want inward, spiritual renewal, and only the Spirit can drive them to that place. We can pray for them, but we are unlikely to be the instrument God uses to change them. So I try to let my life and my words display my confidence in God to finish what He started in their lives. And then I pray for the Holy Spirit to push, pull, drag, even waterboard, them back to the Lord who loves them.  God managed to run the universe without my help before I came along, He will somehow muddle through after I am gone, so I might as well trust Him now to do what I cannot for those I love. No push. No pull. And it's a drag.