Say you have a friend who wants you to do things their way. They want you to eat only raw foods, or no carbohydrates, or a macrobiotic diet.
What is the goal? The goal is health, and they think they have the path that is right for you because it worked for them.
But say you already are healthy. Your weight is good. Your cholesterol is fine. You are sleeping well. You don’t need to do things their way because the way you have been doing it has worked for you.
It isn’t the path. It is the goal.
The same is true of faith.
So many people will try to convince you that you have to go to their church, be a part of their denomination, or read this book by this religious author.
What they are saying is that they think you aren’t well, but you know you are.
You have to do what is right for you, and only you will know that.
Don’t let someone try to put something into you that isn’t right for you.
Understand that they mean well, but when they try to force-feed their diet or their deity to you, it doesn’t reflect on your lack or need. It reflects on theirs.
betsybeadhead 
It’s an interesting perspective, Betsy. I love God, and I believe He has commanded that we share His gospel. I never do that with an unwilling listener, though. If, by something in my life, a person is drawn to God, then their door is open. No forcing anyone to anything. Ever.
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Perhaps you can help me with the verses where Jesus tells us to share the Gospel. I remember the last thing he said to Peter – over and over, was to “Feed my sheep” – literally. I get that we are to BE Jesus to people – to feed, clothe, heal them. To visit them in prison. Not to preach at them. Because people need a sandwich more than they need a sermon. We are to let Jesus work through us. If they are called to Jesus (because not everyone is) then they will ask us. But they should initiate the conversation. I like what is attributed to St. Francis – “Preach the Gospel constantly, and if you must, use words.” People should see God in our actions.
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The first passage that comes to mind is Matthew 28:18-20. Jesus said we are to go and teach all nations, baptizing them in His name, teaching them His Word. The thing to keep in mind is that we are NOT told to force people; we are simply to offer. Sometimes that offer is made, as you say, through the way we live out our faith rather than in our insistence that others must believe as we do. Using my Bible study blog as an example: I simply write, teaching what the scriptures say. It’s out there for anyone who cares to read it. It’s available. Not everyone will want it. That’s ok. It’s something God has clearly compelled me to do, and I love doing it. Not everyone who reads will believe, or agree, or come back. But some will.
Acts 1:8 is another passage that tells us to go from our local places outward into the uttermost parts of the earth, and preach the gospel. There are more, but those two should get you started on a search if you care to do so.
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