How often is it that I avoid speaking the gospel so as not to be looked at strangely or treated as though I am so kind of “holy roller” trying to convert everyone. Well I would like to think that it is less often that reality, but I am not naive and know that feelings do get in the way of reality all too often. The fact is that I have a fear, as I believe a good number of Christians have, that my voice is not accepted in society and therefore it might be best to just keep it to myself and only speak in guarded and carefully selected positions.
“2I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain…9and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” – Galatians 2:2 & 9 (ESV)
Here we have Paul recalling his meeting with the disciples. He had been in his ministry for quite some time and had been preaching the gospel to all who would listen. But, at this moment, he was private and calculated in all that he was saying and doing. He was careful to speak and live the gospel that he had been preaching to let them know, those that did know, he was on their side and was a brother with them in Christ. Now this situation with Paul and the disciples is different than my random carefulness. Paul is in the company of those that had been tasked directly from Jesus to carry the gospel forward so they were the experts. Whereas Paul did not back down from them, he was careful to be sure that they knew and understood that he was coming from and headed to the same place as they.
As I look into verse 9 above, I see that as Paul was keen enough to demonstrate and speak the gospel with the disciples, they accepted him as a brother in Christ and encouraged his continued ministry forward. I see here that it is up to me to speak and demonstrate the gospel and love of God to all as I have no idea who it is that I am engaging.
“2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2 (ESV)
I have the gospel to spread and it is my duty to do just that regardless of the consequences. When my focus is here, God rewards. I may not see the reward right away, and frankly sometimes the reward may not be realized in a time frame where I remember the circumstances (this has happened a number of times for me). But, God rewards with the act of being accepted into the fellowship of other brothers and sisters in Christ.
What circumstances have you avoided speaking or even demonstrating the gospel for fear of rejection? Do you find yourself thinking about the consequences and then backing away based on what “might” happen? What if you just went for it and spread the gospel through word and deed and allowed God to work in you and provide the acceptance into the fellowship of brothers and sisters in Christ?
Trevor's Thoughts 