Don’t Let Pride Keep You from Getting Baptized

A man, his wife, and adult son, and daughter were attending a series of meetings. From the appearance the entire family were baptized Christians. However, the pastor discovered the contrary when the son and daughter approached him and asked if their father could receive a visit.

He had been married for fifty years to his god-fearing wife and only permitted his children to attend Christian schools for their education. While all his family members were baptized committed Christians, he was not. From night to night he attended the meetings and seemed to enjoy them. His expression gave evidence that his heart yielded to the biblical teachings presented.

But he would never make a move when appeals were made. Curious as to why he was so compatible with the Gospel and yet not accept it, the preacher made a home visit. Upon the visit, the daughter was asked to translate because the man was not fluent in English. He had no problems understanding the presentations for they were being translated.

When the pastor asked the first question, the daughter translated. However, the daughter did not appreciate the apparently arrogant response.

So rather than translate, she began to chide her father. Sensing that this would not work, the pastor asked the son to translate. At the next visit, the family gathered around the table. The pastor presented the first question.

This time the mother chided him for the way he responded. The pastor then asked the mother to get drinks for them all to remove her from the discussion.

Realizing the situation, she acquiesced. This time the pastor was able to freely ask questions without interference. “Have you ever had a desire to commit yourself to Christ in baptism?” Asked the pastor.

“Honestly, yes.” He responded. “Would you like to do it?” Was the second question.

“Yes, but because I am too timid, I would like to do it just with my family present.” He said. “Alright,” said the pastor, “we can do it this weekend.” “Fine,” was the response.

“Pastor,” said the daughter privately, “my dad is not going to be baptized. He just likes you and does not know how to say no.” “No,” said the pastor, I believe him to be sincere in his decision.” “But you don’t know my father,” she said.

At the next meeting, the father said, “I have changed my mind. I want to be baptized in front of the entire church.” Drawing the pastor aside, the daughter said, “See, I told you. My father being baptized in front of all the church, impossible!

I know my dad— he is too timid. He just doesn’t know how to say no to you so as to not offend you.” “You will see,” said the pastor. At the next meeting the man made another request.

“I would like to say something to the congregation before I am baptized and have my daughter translate for me. Is that possible?” “Of course,” said the pastor. Once more in private the daughter remonstrated with the pastor insisting that her father changing all the time indicated unequivocally that he would not do it.

When the night of the baptism arrived, the father was present. He went and changed into his baptismal robe. As he descended the steps of the baptistery, the daughter took her place at the podium to translate. As the father began to speak, his daughter was overcome with crying and could not translate.

The brother then stepped up and translated. “For fifty years,” he began, “I witnessed the love and care of a godly wife.

I saw her raise my children to become a wonderful son and daughter. But because I was a Communist, and too proud to surrender, I have held back all these years from giving my heart to God, but He has been merciful.

Today, I stand in testimony to the powerful influence of a godly family. Friend, don’t make the same mistake that I have made. Don’t allow pride to keep you from giving your heart to God.”