|PIC1|He has noted that some evangelistic groups seem to advocate an ever present 'duty' of Gospel proclamation, and he wonders how normal human beings can balance this with the Biblical 'three score and ten' years given to childhood, adolescence, youth, education, work, marriage, family, followed by the greying years of grand-parenting.
M V Tronson claims that the Christian life is a walk with the Lord, where a balance might be found within the multiple of conflicting issues that confront every person throughout their lives. Family relationships and friendships can become very damaged by too much emphasis on any one area, to the neglect of others.
"Herein lies the great lie of the unthinking yet passionate Gospel proclaimer who proclaims long and loud the need for constant witnessing, which in turns bring with it a guilt that no reasonable Christian person can live with," M V Tronson explained.
"Although they may be well-intentioned, these proclaimers persuade Christian people to lead debilitating lives in which a lack of balance can do much harm to established relationships."
He continues to wonder if this is the reason why the back door of some churches is wider than the front door; that too many untrained preachers are 'blind to the obvious', and are losing members of their congregation who cannot live up to their unreasonable expectations.
"There is no way ordinary members of these congregations could possibly live their busy lives without giving their undivided attention to daily tasks, such as, changing a nappy, driving a semi-trailer, interpreting a taxation law, working on an IT problem, being on a jury, or whatever," M V Tronson surmised.
"The added burden placed by the demands of trying to manipulate conversations in order to 'preach Jesus' carries such a lack of integrity and an abuse of the theology of providence, as well as a failure to trust in the Lord. It calls into question the very basis of the pastor's own understanding of Christian teaching."
Some people have a more natural proclivity from the Lord, M V Tronson says, that draws others toward raising issues whereby a Christian response can be given. Paul's letter to Timothy spells this out, being ready to give such an account.
Sometimes even a stuttering response from the heart is the mechanics with which the Holy Spirit draws the other person to Himself. When this happens spontaneously, it always surprises us with joy.
The Old Testament Books of the Psalms, the Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes, he says, are as true to life as they were when first penned.
"This is where gaining a balance is emphasised. I plead with any Christian who feels caught up in any area of manipulation, to free yourself from such guilt and read with a fresh heart and spirit those three books," M V Tronson stated encouragingly. "It may even mean finding another congregation in which to worship and serve."