Matthew 28:18-20
By Wes Spring
I used to pray that God would place someone in my path that I would be able to share the gospel message with. A good friend of mine and I were having that exact discussion one day. He suggested that perhaps I was missing the point of the Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20). As we continued our conversation, it became clear to me that perhaps he was right. I was depending on God to place a persona whom I would feel comfortable sharing my faith based on my self-assessment of my personal comfort and skill level.
God asks us to live our lives for Christ each and every day by our words and deeds. We each answer that call in our own way. Some become evangelists, pastors, and mission field workers. Others answer his call as volunteers in teaching Sunday school classes, elders, deacons, and small group leaders. The majority of Christians seek full time employment and careers in the secular world. We are called to share our faith and become role models for the Christian way of life by our actions and deeds as well as our words and language.
As my friend pointed out illustrating the words from the hymn, “and they will know we are Christians by our love,” God is not asking me to preach or to convince anyone, but to merely live my life in a way which will be a positive influence on others. My career as a management consultant afforded me daily opportunities in my interactions with clients to present the gospel just by my presence. As I taught leadership classes, I began to engage the audience in stories which illustrated God’s grace and mercy. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to give me the courage and strength to be bold as I assisted men and women in developing ways to bring to out the best in their people.
When I look out my front door, I constantly see opportunities to live out the gospel. Someone needs a kind word, a helping hand, encouraging smile or even a hug. I know that I am equipped already to speak those words, lend that helping hand, providing that smile, and gladly give that hug. God made us in his own image so be bold today and look out your front door. You will be blessed for it, I promise.
By Wes Spring
I used to pray that God would place someone in my path that I would be able to share the gospel message with. A good friend of mine and I were having that exact discussion one day. He suggested that perhaps I was missing the point of the Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20). As we continued our conversation, it became clear to me that perhaps he was right. I was depending on God to place a persona whom I would feel comfortable sharing my faith based on my self-assessment of my personal comfort and skill level.
God asks us to live our lives for Christ each and every day by our words and deeds. We each answer that call in our own way. Some become evangelists, pastors, and mission field workers. Others answer his call as volunteers in teaching Sunday school classes, elders, deacons, and small group leaders. The majority of Christians seek full time employment and careers in the secular world. We are called to share our faith and become role models for the Christian way of life by our actions and deeds as well as our words and language.
As my friend pointed out illustrating the words from the hymn, “and they will know we are Christians by our love,” God is not asking me to preach or to convince anyone, but to merely live my life in a way which will be a positive influence on others. My career as a management consultant afforded me daily opportunities in my interactions with clients to present the gospel just by my presence. As I taught leadership classes, I began to engage the audience in stories which illustrated God’s grace and mercy. I prayed for the Holy Spirit to give me the courage and strength to be bold as I assisted men and women in developing ways to bring to out the best in their people.
When I look out my front door, I constantly see opportunities to live out the gospel. Someone needs a kind word, a helping hand, encouraging smile or even a hug. I know that I am equipped already to speak those words, lend that helping hand, providing that smile, and gladly give that hug. God made us in his own image so be bold today and look out your front door. You will be blessed for it, I promise.
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