I read statistics the other day that shocked me. Pew Research reported, “About four-in-ten U.S. adults say people who do not believe in God can go to heaven.” Barna Research Group stated, “48 percent of U.S. adults believe a person who is generally good, or does enough good for others, will earn a place in Heaven.”
Why does this matter? Because the people these statistics represent are likely closer to you than you think. Some are probably in your family, maybe even at your dinner table. This isn’t just a distant issue; it’s a personal one.
I later read two more revealing statistics: Lifeway Research reported that 45 percent of U.S. adults are not open to talking with a stranger about the Christian faith. Various studies have shown that about 85 percent of people who come to faith in Christ do so through the influence of a family member or friend.
Here’s what this means: you have more ability to influence your family members’ faith than any religious leader, YouTube preacher, or TikTok influencer. The Gospel has always spread best through relationships, and it always will. Our regular interactions with loved ones can preach louder to them about God’s love than any sermon they’d likely hear.
That’s why in Acts 16:31, Paul and Silas told the jailer: “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” Here,“household” translates Oikos, which refers to family in the broadest sense—not just your spouse and kids, but aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, etc.
Matthew 12:14-21 shows how to influence our family rightly through Jesus’ example. After a busy day of healing, Jesus withdrew to a quiet place. A sizeable crowd followed Him, and though tired, He continued to heal them.
This proves that, to win the hearts of our family members, we must first bring a demonstration of redemption. Our demonstration probably won’t look the same as Jesus’, but we can show through our lives that godly values make life great. When your family sees your life shining for God’s glory, they’ll likely want the same.
Next, we must defeat the enemy’s work in people’s lives. Verses 19-20 recall what Isaiah spoke about Jesus: “He will not quarrel or cry out; no one will hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he has brought justice through to victory.” Steering clear of strife and seeking peace in all relationships is vital to our testimony.
Finally, we must define God’s hope in people’s lives. Verse 21 says, “In his [Jesus’] name, the nations will put their hope.” The light of Christ doesn’t dim in different environments. It has the power to dispel every darkness!
As believers, our conversion comes with a call. So let’s live in a way that allows our faith to extend to our entire household and continue for generations. That, friends, is a legacy worth leaving!
