You pray for guidance. You get an answer. But it's like the thing you most don't want to do! "No! No! Not that! I don't want to do that!" But you get a sick feeling in your gut if you don't do it anyways. You have a not quite as sick feeling if you do that dreaded thing, with a sort of peaceful, confident feeling mixed in.
I'm not telling tales when I say that EVERY TIME I have followed guidance, or obeyed a conviction, it turns out WAY BETTER than I could have ever imagined. So why is it still so hard to follow and obey? Human nature, I guess. I just want to do things MY way. Hmph.
So, my pastor spoke Sunday about the purpose of the church. He referenced Jesus' Great Commission:
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20Yikes. Double yikes.
Trying to get other people to believe in Jesus? Scary monsters! Seriously, I do not want to do that. I admit that I have big fears of: offending, alienating, annoying, turning people off....etc.
Do I wish that everyone could experience the joy, peace, confidence, freedom of having Jesus be Lord of your life? Yes! Do I want to make that happen? Not really!
I was not brought up in the Evangelical tradition. I came up Presbyterian. The Frozen Chosen. Plus, I've had plenty of exposure to hateful, judgemental, unloving "Christians" through the media (not so much in real life). But I am quite aware that there has been serious cultural wounding by so-called "Christians". There is such a strong backlash against the abuse in the name of God that it gets all mixed up. The church leaders that have affairs or hire prostitutes don't help with the integrity factor either.
Plus our culture is so steeped in "it's all good" philosophy, that I'm pretty sure selling Jesus as "the way" will not go over well.
So, admitting all my frailty, fears and general wimpiness, my question is: HOW?
How do we "go and make disciples"?
I am convinced that the love of Christ must be at the center of whatever happens, or nothing will happen. But that's as far as I've gotten.
Another item to pray about.
2 comments:
I am a very talkative, outgoing person, but the one thing that makes me self-concious and quiet is telling others about Jesus that don't know Him. I also get nervous about being alienated, offending, etc.
I have started trying differeint techniques that will start the conversation for me. I wear shirts that that show my faith. Today I am wearing a shirt that has a very bright spot and it says "It was you-who He gave His life for." When people look at my shirt, it at least makes them think, even if only for a moment.
I just started doign small things, so that hopefully as I continue to grow in His spirit I will become more outgoing to spread His word.
That's a great idea. I don't usually wear T-shirts, but I think I could get excited about wearing a Jesus shirt (especially if it is cool).
Thanks!
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