I wonder how many times I’ve said it? When talking with someone about witnessing or telling others the good news about Christ – “Let me so how I can explain this…let me see if I can simplify it…” When you hear that it is a pretty good indicator that the one saying it is trying desperately to come up with a logical sounding excuse. At least that is what I think from person experience. When I’m grasping for a way to put something it is generally I’m trying not to make myself look bad. I’ve been reading a lot lately about missions and evangelism. I’ve read approaches by various authors who approach the subject from different positions. Each author argues that his particular view is the best or the most effective. Through my reading I’ve come to this conclusion: It is not as complicated as we make it.
Of course if my conclusion is correct I’ve let myself very little wiggle room. I can’t come back and say, “Well life is different today. We have to take into account methods once popular are no longer effective. People have built up an immunity in our part of the country having heard the gospel all their lives.” I can’t say, “The only way we can be effective today is to…(you fill in the blank).” The bottom line is people are reach with the gospel today the same as always – God uses flawed, broken, ineffective witnesses, like you and me, to tell others His story. I’ve concluded it really is that simple. My caring enough to live and speak the gospel before my family, neighbors, coworkers and the people I rub elbows with every day. I wish it were more complicated than that. I love hiding in complications. At this rate I’m going to be out of excuses! And that is probably best.
It was just on my mind so I thought I’d share it.
Rod