I was reading the passage from Jeremiah 31:31-34 where God promises a new covenant and how God will write the law on the hearts of Israel.  I've been thinking on this one for some time, and I've come up with some interesting takes on how the law is written in our hearts.

I believe that we are created already pre-wired to want to know God.  I have spoken to atheists and agnostics who had burning questions -- questions that almost embarrassed them to ask.  I think this passage seeks to give some explanation for their curiosity.

I believe it is up to each individual to seek God and to learn more about God's ways through the study of the scripture.  But particularly in this day and age, you wouldn't have anyone converting to be a Christ-follower without the Holy Spirit drawing them nearer. 

When I was discerning my call to the ministry (who am I kidding?  I'll always be discerning my call) I once thought I wanted to be an apologist.  An apologist is one who uses argumentative writing and speaking to defend the faith of Christianity in an intellectual way.  I enjoy the writings of apologists, so they certainly have their place, but like preachers, their words would be useless without God tilling the fertile soil of the minds of would-be followers.  This is because if someone isn't ready to believe in God, there is nothing I can do with words to convince them.

I know there are other pastors out there.  How do you wrestle with the reality that our words are useless if they fall on ears that aren't ready to hear?  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying we should stick to "preaching to the choir," we must evangelize the unbelievers.  My point is that unless the Holy Spirit has already gotten through to that person -- even if that is only planting questions about spirituality -- our work is futile.

Thoughts?

Peace,

Ray