making your decision

Many sincere believers often say that God is “trying to convert the world.” In their efforts to support this, they join home and overseas missions. Yet, when we look at what has happened over the past hundred years, it becomes clear that converting the entire world is nowhere close. The so-called “non-Christian” population has doubled, and even those who claim to follow Christ seem further away from true Christian principles. Clearly, something is being misunderstood.

God Does Not Attempt—He Accomplishes

First, we need to realise that God does not attempt things. He commands, and it happens.

“And God said, ‘Let there be light.’ Then there was light. After that God saw that the light was good, and God began to divide the light from the darkness.’” (Genesis 1:3, 4)

What he sets out to do, he finishes. The scriptures say—

“I am calling a bird of prey from the sunrise. From a distant land, the man will carry out my decision. I have spoken, and I will bring it about. I have purposed it, and I will also carry it out.” (– Isa. 46:11)

If God’s plan included us converting every person on earth, it would have already happened.

The True Mission of Disciples

Jesus did tell his followers to make disciples and speak about the Kingdom to all nations. But notice, he never said all nations would become converted. He told us to “make disciples of people of all the nations” and to preach the good news “for a witness,” not with the aim of converting everyone. The results prove this. Disciples are being made in every country, and the Kingdom message is being shared across the world. – Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20,

Jesus made it plain that he did not expect his followers to convert the world. He once said—

“When the Son of Man arrives, will he really find this faith on the earth?” (- Luke 18:8, )

He also foretold—

“Just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of Man will be.” (- Matt. 24:37)

In Noah’s time, the world was not turned to God, even though Noah showed strong faith, built the ark, and warned everyone about the flood. (Heb. 11:7; 2 Pet. 2:5)

God’s Primary Purpose

This misunderstanding about God trying to convert the world comes from not seeing that Jehovah’s main purpose is to prove his power and protect his name. The rescue of people is important but comes after that. When Jehovah saved the Israelites from Egypt and later from Babylon, he said it was not for their sake but for his holy name.

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: “Not for your sakes am I acting, O house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you profaned among the nations where you have gone. ‘I will certainly sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the nations, which you profaned among them; and the nations will have to know that I am Jehovah,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘when I am sanctified among you before their eyes.’” (Ezekiel 36:22, 23)

A God of Love, Not Force

Jehovah does not need humans to achieve his plans. It is beneath him to beg or force anyone to worship him. He does not use threats of suffering after death or harm in this life, no matter what any religion teaches. He is a God of love and appeals to the love in us.

He gives us blessings and tells us what we must do to keep them and enjoy even more. Then, the choice is ours. We can accept God’s kindness on his terms or turn away and lose everything.