“C’mon Gloria, just go ahead to say something”
“Remember I promised to fill your mouth”
“But every where’s calm, I don’t want to constitute a nuisance” I would war in my spirit
I wouldn’t know what goes on in your head whenever there’s a nudge to share the Gospel of salvation but the above is an example of mine which usually is a tug of war before I started having conversations about it with God.
Here I share all the cards of reasons that comes to the fore and how my mindset has been changed over the years.
1)My life is an example
“Your life should preach Christ , You should be an example to the world…”
This is a statement which comes often from the pulpit and which is correct in its entirety given the right context however I ran with that thinking yes that was enough.
Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry was a shinning light and yet, he preached the gospel wherever he went .
Our lives being an example to the unbelievers is to reinforce that we shouldn’t live in contrast to the gospel we have believed and not for us to leave it at that!
The Bible is filled with details of the great commission with the Command GO- which is active
So while we seek to exemplify Christ we must actively still reach out to others .
I’m reminded about Philip who met the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Eunuch would have missed out on the joy of salvation if Philip had run on that belief.
2) People are not getting changed: The Bible affirms that broad is the way that leads to destruction and narrow is the one to life but should this deter us from doing the needful?
NO
The Bible also affirms that the harvest is plenteous but the laborers are few.
Our motivation should not be in the change but that we’ve obeyed God
Going my statistics of salvation testimonies I have heard, most people didn’t get saved the first instance of hearing the gospel until after a couple of times.
Ours is to plant the seeds and leave for the Holy Spirit to perfect His work.
I have come to know that this excuse is to sow seeds of discouragement such that righteousness is stifled and evil gains ground but we won’t allow that anymore.
3) I’m shy/What If’s: I understand we all have different temperaments and it might be a little difficult for the introverts to step out of their natural shell.
I also know that we can be so groomed of God that our temperament comes secondary to His will.
I as a melancholic struggled with thoughts like
“What if I now fall and backslide later on?”
“I hope I won’t be seen as “over righteous”?”
“What if I’m asked a question I cannot answer and I look stupid?”
Thankfully, I got hold of the verse which has since reinforced my confidence in Christ.
Jude 1:24,25
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling or falling into sin, and to present you unblemished [blameless and faultless] in the presence of His glory with triumphant joy and unspeakable delight, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and power, before all time and now and forever. Amen.
4)I don’t want to constitute a nuisance
“See they are discussing politics, don’t want to appear…..”
“I’m not sure it’s the best time, let me wait till the room is quiet.”
Room is quiet
“Don’t even try it, you will look so foolish and be laughed at”
I’m sure you can relate with these war that goes on.
Yes, it’s certainly important to be able to pick on social cues but by wisdom and experience we can also learn how to tactfully infuse the gospel into conversations whether in transit with strangers or with acquaintances.
We can learn when to come in with captivating stories
We can learn and trust God on how to talk
Most importantly to discern when there’s a ready soul.
5) You’re not worthy
You know one thing the devil is good at is guilt tripping.
Even when he isn’t around, your mind still runs the same errand for him, however it’s important to grow from that place of guilt to freedom.
Here’s a quick reminder
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
You’re now in Christ Jesus, walking in the Spirit & not in the flesh.
In fact,y our testimony is a good way to start.
Let people know what God saved you from and how he’s been helping you and how he can do same for them.
6) I am not an Evangelist/Pastor
It’s not unusual for people I share the gospel to ask me if I am a Pastor or his wife
Unsurprising because it seems we’ve left this commission for them.
We cannot teach or reprove without people sarcastically throwing in the “pastor” tag at us
2 CORINTHIANS 5:17,18
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! But all things are from God, Who through Jesus Christ reconciled us to Himself [received us into favor, brought us into harmony with Himself] and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation [that by word and deed we might aim to bring others into harmony with Him].
As many as received, he gave the ministry of reconciliation
The great commission is for all and sundry who are saved.
It cost God His Son
It will cost you your speech, your time,
It’s still not worth the price God gave.
Your spurn will cost a soul.
The war under God’s word
The harvest is plenteous!
