Think Deeply

"I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness.” John 12:46, NAS.

Japan has been completely open to gospel work since the end of World War II. Yet the gospel has had very little impact. Japan is less than 0.5% evangelized, (Tokyo Metro is probably about 0.3%). This is an unbelievably low percentage for a country that has been open for so long. The overwhelming majority of the people follow a worldview that is an amalgamation of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs.

Japan is shiny, modern and progressive on its surface, but below its heart is dark and dying. Statistics list that 70% of married Japanese men have affairs. Japan has the highest suicide rate (what is it) of any modern country in the world. There is a sadness and dissatisfaction with the status quo, as if Japan were crying out for something to set them free. What is it that keeps Japan trapped in spiritual darkness?

One reason may be the strong group mentality among Japanese. Breaking out of the norm is highly discouraged. There is a well known Japanese saying, “The nail that sticks up gets hammered down.” The passive persecution of cultural pressure keeps many Japanese believers timid in sharing the gospel with friends and family.

Another reason is a general self-sufficiency. Japanese on any scale are wealthy, educated, and industrious. They don’t tend to think beyond what is temporal. For example, I was talking with a young man I met on a train platform in Tokyo. I asked him what he believed about God and his existence. He replied, “I live without thinking that deeply.” The Japanese seem so focused on possessions, work, and pleasure that God, faith, and eternity never even enter their minds.

It will take a mighty movement of God’s Spirit to break through the barriers of materialism and cultural conformity that hold millions of Japanese in spiritual bondage. As the Spirit moves, the Japanese may yet think deeply about eternity, God, and faith and break free from their widespread slavery to sin and death.

Pray that:

The Holy Spirit will convict of sin and righteousness among the Japanese people.

Japanese believers will be convicted to share the gospel boldly.

Many Japanese will be awakened to their spiritual emptiness and begin thinking deeply about the things of eternity.

Millions of Japanese will find the joy of knowing God through a personal relationship with Jesus.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.