I have no problem sharing something if I’m passionate about
it! I was reminded of this today as I
stood at the service desk at Walmart returning a dozen boxes of votive candles
that I had purchased for our recent IF Gathering. As the woman was checking the receipts and
returning the candles I was going on and on about how much I loved these
candles, how long they burn and what a great deal they are compared to other
candles that are similar.
I told her that if
she ever has a need for this type of candle that they are the best and to
remember that! She probably could have
cared less about the dumb candles that I had piled upon her countertop, but
because I am passionate about how well these little guys have served me in the
past, I couldn’t help myself, really. I
was truly hoping that someday this information would prove useful to her.
If only I could have that same enthusiasm when sharing my
faith. If I could so easily go on and
on, unsolicited, about how much I love Jesus, truly hoping that someday the
information would prove useful.
Why do I care so much to tell that woman how wonderful the
candles are and I don’t care enough to share how awesome the Light of World
is? It caused me no fear to offer that
information but I would have had a small panic attack if I had chosen to tell
her about God’s love for her, right then and there.
There is something to be said for developing relationships
in which you have a natural opportunity to share your faith. But there is also something to be said for
seizing a moment that may never come again.
My problem is, I always default to the long term relationship scenario
and never step out into the scary, share my love for Jesus because I just can’t
help myself scenario.
Whether I would like to admit it or not, I reserve that kind
of sharing for street preachers, pastors or those lucky people who are just
naturally bold and evangelistic by nature.
It’s not how I roll. Unless of
course, I am sharing about an amazing candle, then look out!
This should not be so.
These said candles were burning on
each table at the IF Gathering as I sat in the dimly lit room feeling ashamed at how feeble my
attempts to reach the lost really are.
The speaker on the big screen was pleading with us to not keep the wonderful
news of our Savior to ourselves. He
begged us to remember what is at stake. He reminded us that it doesn’t need to begin
with a big initiative or the writing of a book.
It starts with one life at a time.
Just make ONE disciple.
God didn’t say, ”Hey, if you get around to it and it doesn’t
feel too awkward, go ahead and mention Me, but if not, no worries, just be nice
and neighborly and maybe that will rub
off enough to lead them to Me.” He
actually commands us to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all
creation.” Mark 16:15
Do I want to keep allowing my fear of what someone might
think, fear of overstepping my boundaries or fear of rejection to stand in the
way of someone’s eternal salvation? Do I
want to keep my faith small instead of allowing it to grow each time I trust
God and His plan? I’m realizing that I
have made it all about me. I’m thinking
it’s time to make it about others.
If you, like me, have had these struggles and fears, would
you be willing to join me in stepping outside of your safe scenario and into a
place of obedience and true love?
I will never know if that woman will someday need those
candles for an event and be glad that I shared with her, but I do know that sharing
the gospel is the most important thing I could ever tell someone and that I
could put my passion to better use!
