Most people are
familiar with the Lowe’s commercial theme, “Never stop improving.” I remember
teachers in high school telling us many times, “There is always room for
improvement.” This is not only true in areas of the home and education, but in all
aspects of life. So what if we, as Christians, were to apply that to our
spiritual lives? How can we be better servants of the Lord?
There
are many ways to improve but I want to focus on just one in particular today, evangelism.
Jesus came to this earth to seek and to save those who were lost (Luke 19:10).
If evangelism was His number one priority should it not be ours as well?
Everything else connected with the church is secondary. People are more
important than programs. Nothing the church could ever undertake (from the
construction of a new building to the organization of the work categories)
ranks near the supreme goal of saving souls and keeping them saved. In fact,
that’s what the church is all about. If we lose our evangelistic zeal, we have
lost our right to exist.
In
Mark 16:15, we are told to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every
creature. Are we doing this? How many can say they are currently studying the
Bible with someone? What about teaching a class at church? Speaking to those
you come in contact with on a regular basis, about what Jesus has done for us
and can do for them? “I’m just not comfortable doing that,” or “I’m really not
very good at quoting the scriptures” you might say. Have you given any thought to
judgment day and what Jesus will say? Will He be comfortable telling his father
that you belong to Him? “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I
also deny before my Father which is in heaven” Matt. 10:33. Keep in mind that God
gave us all different talents. He expects us to do the best in whatever we’re
able to do. (Read the parable of the talents in Matt. 25). If you feel
uncomfortable because you have trouble memorizing scripture, keep a notebook to
refer to when you study with someone. Take a friend with you when you study
with someone. Do online studies, exchange emails or even study over the phone.
There are so many ways we can spread the gospel especially with the technology
we have today. It should cause us to be ashamed that the first century
Christians were able to teach the gospel to the entire world (Col. 1:23)
without all the resources we have at our fingertips today.
Speaking to a large
group of people is not the only channel of teaching and spreading the gospel.
You can even teach others about Christ by the example you set.
The
following questions about soul winning have helped me to realize my
responsibility. Perhaps they will help you too.
1. Do you feel any obligations to be a soul
winner?
2. When you look at a non-Christian, do you ever
think he or she is lost in sin?
3. Are you praying for someone to become a
Christian?
4. How many people would be led to Christ this
year if every Christian were like you?
5. Have you ever really, sincerely prayed that
God would use you to do good?
As
you apply these questions to yourself, remember that with every good work the
devil provides an objection and with every sin he provides an excuse. It is
time we stopped making excuses. It is time we got busy for the Lord. The first
century Christians were accused of “turning the world upside down” (Acts 17:6).
It’s time we do the same.
“Take heed to these things; by so doing,
you will save yourself and them that hear you.”
1 Timothy 4:16
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