Let’s face it. We’ve all seen a sinner who just gets “dunked” before. They may have had the best of intentions, but for multiple reasons, they give up. Were these people successfully converted? Only God knows.
In the parable of the sower (Luke 8:11-14), Jesus summarized three reasons why people fall away: 1) the devil snatches away what’s in your heart; 2) truth doesn’t find deep root in the heart so it doesn’t last; and, 3) the cares and pleasures of the world choke the word before it becomes productive.
How can I not be one of these three? By experiencing a successful conversion. The following are four suggestions for you to have a successful conversion.
- A successful conversion depends on the joy you have in your heart.
- If you are thrilled to be a Christian, you will not have trouble convincing people who are eternally of the value of obeying Christ.
- The joy in my heart is not demonstrated by a cheesy, fake smile painted on my face all the time, but the ability to rejoice in all the seasons of life, good or bad (Philippians 4:4; James 1:2).
- A successful conversion depends on the purity of your own life.
- If your own life is right with God, lost people will listen to what you have to say. Peter said that you have the capability to “glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12).
- If your life is tainted with sin, your example of Christ living in you will be weak. Furthermore, you show that you’ve not mastered yourself, and self-control is a vital fruit of the Spirit that a converted Christian will possess (Galatians 5:22-23).
- A successful conversion depends on your ability to use the Bible.
- A true disciple seeks teaching that allows them to grow in the application of knowledge (Matthew 11:28-29; Ephesians 5:17).
- Without a thorough knowledge of scripture, the successful Christian won’t be able to answer the questions and excuses thrown at you.
- A successful conversion depends on your willingness to try.
- You cannot win others to Christ if you don’t make the effort. Catch the vision! Talk about Jesus to everyone you meet. Winning others to Christ is one of the greatest joys in life.
- Jesus took opportunities to bring the gospel up to people. He did so, of course, when He was questioned by Nicodemas in John 3, but He also started a conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4.
Being the “noble and good heart” in Luke 8:15 will rest on what you decide to do after coming out of the water. Paul said to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). Your walk will be successful if you will take these four suggestions and put them to solid use. Don’t delay and don’t neglect your need to develop.
Kyle Campbell
