‘Shock’ Troops?

2 Timothy 1 vs. 7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

We all know that humans can be ruled by fear, but the people never/rarely love their leader. In the 16^th Century the Jesuits (A new order of priests who went out and preached) were termed the ‘shock’ troops. Impressions of them now are that they were the most influential power in the Catholic Church (next to the Pope) during this period. Occasionally the Jesuits lived up to the nickname given them, we know that in the ‘New World’ (America) there were forced conversions – often through violence. However, it was also due to shocking people back into the Catholic Church through the revelations of the doctrines, that they obtained this name.

Converting people through fear is not helpful; people will hate our Lord (More so than they may or may not now). True fear of what may happen if they are not baptized when Jesus returns may cause someone to be kick started into a search for the Lord (This is due to conscience), but causing people to be afraid instead of joyful about salvation, ourselves is wrong. That is what the letter to Timothy says in verse seven, we need to show through our love, strength and determination that the Lord God wishes all to be saved and all to follow His ways, not through the troubles that this world faces – though they are used to show prophesy coming true.

Lead them softly to the Lord and they will love him, as we love him. Unbound less happiness will follow and you shall know that they do not do the things the Lord wants because of oppressing fear but because of loving respect. Preach gently the words of the Lord for we are not ‘Shock’ Troops.