1 Peter 2:9 (The Message) 9-10But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God's instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you—from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.
I can recall a Christian song from a few years back that said, "You don't have the right to remain silent..." An obvious play on words from the phrases you hear on TV Cop shows. However, there is alot of spiritual truth to that. For example, Why do we as Christians remain silent, or soft spoken about the goodness of the Lord? I think for me it goes back to the negative connotations of childhood and being raised in churches that were "off the mark" in their approach to Evangelism.
We used to call it "witnessing"- much like a courtroom witness would tell their story from an "eyewitness" account. Meaning they would share something that they were a part of and had first hand knowledge of. I can remember so many times the question...."If you were to die tonight do you know where you would spend eternity?" No Hello-how are you?-great weather-nice shirt-nothing to break the ice. This was difficult for me it was weird and impersonal. I cannot recall great revivals at the hand of this tactic.
Then there was the tract method. Using strategery and economical cleverly phrased booklets to catch the eyes of its readers after being left in higgly visible places and random spots or distributed outside like free coupoins at a supermarket. Again I cannot recall any success stories in regards to this type of practice.
I have been in services, encounters and divine appointments that have resulted in people turning their lives to the Lord and surrendering into His precious Grace. Sure there are moments when these type of encounters have been used of God to change the life of an unbeliever; but what is the goal. Where is the finish line?
Personally, I feel that the best way to reach someone is by being their freind. I know that takes time; but I do feel that God calls us to be friendly, loving, enjoyable, pleasant, inviting, appealing and real. People are looking for something that can change their life and we have to live and "SHOW" that we have changed by the power of God's grace. We need to smile at people. Quit honking our horns we cars pull out in front of us. Limit our complaining. Be encouragers, huggers, role models for happiness. Good freinds, parents, neighbors, employees, spouses, guests, hosts, partners, teammates, etc. People are drawn to people. Draw people to you in order to show them (with your life) who Jesus is. Get them involved in your church. Have them over to your house for coffee, dessert and conversations.
Many have missed the boat by believing their church is where they go on Sunday. The "CHURCH" is all around us. Many talk about impacting the Kingdom of God with plans they have for their church (building). The Kingdom of God IS all around us. Our ministry should be outward and our worship inward. Not the opposite. The "title" of your church has nothing to do with the type of church you are. many have forgotten that we are all one church-those believing Jesus Christ as Lord a fellowship of Believers. Where it becomes muddy is when the "Quarterback" looks at the "linebacker" and says you are wrong, we do not do it this way. They are both on the same team and ultimately striving for the same goal. But positions have assigned themselves their own status and began seeing "elevations" at the foot of the cross. God loves quarterbacks and linebackers EQUALLY. Value has been placed on styles of worship, responses to worship, ideas, theology and even success in an attempt to be "SPIRITUAL". God loved the thief on the cross, who never sang one song, read one scripture or did one thing for "the kingdom", just as much as he loved David or Peter or Billy Graham. The foot of the cross is level.
I had a "fake" Rolex at one time and I thought it was the greatest thing. People didn't know it was fake and I was always looking for opportunities to show someone what time it was. Hoping to create some dialog about my amazingly cool watch. Well shouldn't we be the same way about our Lord. He is much greater than my BO-lex. Our motivation should be to try and inject Jesus into everything we do. 1 Corinthians 10:31 (New Living Translation) 31 So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.
People need to know that they are important. If we cannot make them feel this way they will never get close enough to Jesus to find out for themselves. Do not be afraid to tell everyone about your amazingly awesome friend JESUS.
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