When Linda and I go geocaching, we often run into a mental obstacle.
We have information about the cache including the logs from the last several people that found it.
Sometimes it isn’t found and that is also logged.
It’s a bit disheartening to drive up and have her say, “Oh, no! The last four people didn’t find it!”
Do I waste my time getting out and looking for it or do I just move on?
I usually get out and give a look anyway and I am often rewarded by finding what the last several people didn’t find.
Of course it doesn’t always work out that way; many times I don’t find it either.
But I’ll never know if I don’t try.
Is preaching the Gospel ever a waste of time?
I don’t think so because I don’t know the future.
I know there are die-hard agnostics, atheists, and those that accept foreign beliefs; but I cannot determine what the Gospel message could do for them.
Many will not listen or accept the message.
As Jesus said, “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matt 7:13-14
The Gospel leaves no room for other belief systems or unholy living; it’s a narrow way.
The broad way is liberal in acceptance; no matter what you believe or how you live, you will fit right in on the broad way.
The prophet Jeremiah ran into just such a problem.
“Therefore, Jeremiah, go and warn all Judah and Jerusalem. Say to them, ‘This is what the LORD says: I am planning disaster against you instead of good. So turn from your evil ways, each of you, and do what is right.’ “
But they replied, “Don’t waste your breath. We will continue to live as we want to, following our own evil desires.” Jer 18:11-12 NLT
It seems like Jeremiah wasted his time with telling God’s message.
It’s never a waste of time; you may just find someone ready to listen and accept Jesus.
You’ll never know if you don’t try.