Prepare to let out a gasp—–I don’t always care about the lost. Phew, OK—got that out.

So, what does that mean and why does it matter?

If you know anything about On Fire For Jesus, you have probably heard about my “heart for the lost”. And if you’re new to On Fire For Jesus, you will quickly understand what I’m talking about. The concept of concern, or heart, or caring for ‘lost’ people is pervasive throughout my blog. It is expressed as a primary (if not THE primary) motivator for evangelism.

But sometimes I not only don’t care about the lost, I have disdain and contempt because of their general attitude toward believers. I don’t mind being honest and admitting that. Christians are consistently the only people group who anyone can safely ridicule without fear of retaliation. Try commenting negatively about any non-Christian special interest group, religion, “campus” club, ideology, nationality, etc. –then see what happens. Try the same with Christians and it’s not only OK—it’s most often encouraged. So naturally, it’s easy to project ill-will toward those who propagate the negative stereotypes of Christians and, more seriously, mock God. The warrior in me loses patience knowing that they speak in ignorance about that which they do not know.

None of this should come as a surprise though—Christ did tell us this would happen (If anything—all the ire toward us believers serves to strengthen my faith; not undermine it in any way). However, that doesn’t make it any easier to know you literally have a corner on Truth and yet so many vehemently reject it!

Of course, our job is not to get angry or frustrated, but to share the gospel in love. OK—but we’re in the flesh, remember…human still and far from perfect. So what could possibly serve as a motivator to evangelize when our attitudes toward unbelievers are at their lowest?

The answer is at once simple and yet so complex:

“For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality nor take a bribe.

“He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing.  (Deut. 10:17, 18 NASB)

God assures us that He will be exalted among the nations and in all the earth (Psalm 46:10). The power that enables us to reach out to a lost and suffering world is the same power that can motivate us to do so. When we lose patience with unbelievers because of their attitudes toward God and His followers, our motivation should be God and His glory. After all, the work we do is for His Kingdom, not our kingdom.

What we seek to exalt is the Glory of God and the awesome wonder of the Creator of the universe. Ultimately, it’s about more than preventing our friends and acquaintances from going to Hell, it’s about lifting up Jesus and what He has done. When I can focus on that instead of my frustration, I find my motivation to share the good news not only returns, but is made stronger and more authentic.

It is possible to be icy toward the lost and on fire for the Lord.

Remember-it’s all about Him, not us.