The Laborers are few…But God Gives the Increase

Written by Christopher Mentzer

I got an e-mail message from my “friend”, Ryan Hoover, the other day. He was very frantic in his writing. This is what it said:

RYAN: Chris, I don’t know what I’m going to do. I’ve been studying with this high school student for the last three months. I’ve talked with him about authority, I showed him God’s Plan of Salvation, and I taught him about the Church. He’s taking it all in and is very positive in my teaching but he still hasn’t become a Christian! I feel like kidnapping him in the middle of the night and dunking him in the baptistry myself. I’m his only chance that he could become a Christian, what can I do?

After reading this message, it was clear to me what to say.

CHRIS: Ryan, I’m sending back a copy of your message to illustrate your main problem. Look at the number of times you said “I”. You have a case of “Me-itis”. I understand you want your friend to do what’s right, but ask yourself this: is doing the right thing to benefit him or yourself? Remember Noah who preached approximately 120 years while preparing the ark; he only converted seven others beside himself. This is not a numbers game nor is there a monthly quota. One of the biggest problems Christians face is a lack of patience. It takes time for new prospective converts to make the decision. And it is their decision to make not yours. If he doesn’t come around then at least you tried. We can’t force people to convert.

Your last sentence is a very horrifying thought! In order for you to be “his only chance” means that he lives with you and your family and doesn’t leave your house or watch television. Every person out there in the world has other influences whether good or bad.

I felt this was enough for now. He would need time to take it in. I did receive his next response a day later:

RYAN: You’re right, Chris! I have been thinking mostly of myself in this matter and not him. I also admit that my last sentence was a bit over the top considering the way you interpret it. But Jesus said in Matt. 9: 37, “Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest indeed is plenteous, but the laborers are few.” I figure the fewer there are, the harder I need to try.

He was right…to a point. I sent him this response:

CHRIS: Ryan, that’s a good choice of scripture! But the word laborers is plural meaning you aren’t the only one. Perhaps you can get another member of your congregation to sit in on one of your studies. He might be able to offer a different view on the lesson that would make it easier for him. Also, if you haven’t already, invite him to services and introduce him to various members. The more exposure he has to other Christians, the better his chances are of converting. And overall remember what Paul wrote in 1 Cor. 3: 6-8, “I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. 7. So then neither is he that planteth anything, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. 8. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: but each shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” It’s not your decision of whether he becomes a Christian or not. And if he doesn’t, then you move on to the next person. But, make sure you always make yourself available in case he comes back with more questions.

His final response came an hour later:

RYAN: Thanks again, Chris!! I have been suffering from “Me-itis”. I’ll bring him to services and we’ll make the general rounds. I should have realized that I’m not alone in this. As Paul wrote in Gal. 6: 2, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Grant it my friend is not a burden, but at least I know that it not my sole responsibility either. Thanks again!