Wisdom of Winning Souls

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” (Pr 11:30 AV)

 

The meaning of the verse above is plain enough.  The challenge is clearly understood.  Further illumination is not required.  This verse has been preached a thousand and one times before.  I have heard it all my entire spiritual life.  There isn’t a year that goes by wherein someone has not used this verse over and again.  It is not complicated.  It is not a verse that requires deep study.  It is plain enough.  He that winneth souls is wise.

This is State Fair season.  This is the season when churches really get involved in spreading the good news of the gospel of Christ.  We are no different.  The LORD has given us the tremendous privilege of working alongside a great ministry created to reach souls with the grace of God.  It is so exciting to meet people and talk to them about their need for a Savior.  For the most part, people are polite and accommodating.  If the soul-winner is wise and treats others with respect, rarely did we have issues.  Every once in a while, there is an agitated soul that wants nothing to do with God.  More frequently, there may be an alcoholic or two who mock our booth.  But for the most part, people politely decline or simply ignore us as they walk by.  However, what we are finding this year is opportunities to talk to people are far more common than they have been in years past.  They are willing to be asked a simple question.  Are you 50%, 75%, or 100% certain you are on your way to heaven?  1 John 5:13 is the text we use to prove you can be 100% certain.

I share all this to encourage the saint this morning.  He that winneth souls is wise.  Winning souls is a ministry.  It is a ministry of privilege.  It is our honor to share the love of Christ with those who are uncertain of their eternal state.  Winning souls is often seen as an end in itself.  To win souls means we must see sharing the love of Christ as a ministry.  Not a program or end in itself.  Those who may reject at first may come around a bit later.  We need to win them.  Not preach to them.  Not argue with them.  Rather, we must attempt to reach them as a whole person who needs to be forgiven and loved.  This is why soul-winning is so awesome.  It is pure ministry.  It is meeting people where they are and loving on them with the foundation of the Bible as the focus.  Winning souls is wise.  Not just for those who are won, but for those who are doing the winning.