What calvinist are missing for maturity

[SpreadWord]

My "handle" on this and other websites is "SpreadWord." I think it is imperative to spread the gospel. The Lord commanded it. However, my lack of obedience will not thwart God's plans. If I am disobedient to share the gospel, He will call forth His elect through the testimony of others. However, I will have suffered a loss of rewards in the process. What I grew up hearing was that if I didn't get out there and tell people about Christ, they were going to die and go to hell. Well...when I learned of the Doctrines of Grace, I realized that God is bigger than I am, and those whom He has chosen will come to repentance regardless of me. However, as His son, I desire to be used of my father to do the work of evangelism, and I welcome His assignments. This view is so much more "freeing" as I serve out of my love for Him, not as some obligation for which I should feel guilty if I don't measure up.

It is also much more freeing when I am rejected by those to whom I minister. I figure than either 1) a seed has been planted that will later come to fruition or 2) they are not of God's elect, so I should not concern myself over them once the message has been delivered and rejected.

[Jim]

Well said, brother.