How many times have I pushed forward because of this phrase? To answer this question, we must evaluate the options and outcomes of the task. Sometimes this evaluation causes me to push forward and at other times I pull back because the results of losing is a greater price than I am willing to pay. However, there is one area that is a “no brainer,” the area of witnessing for Christ. Most Christians never share the gospel, but why? What do they have to lose?
It is amazing to me how many Christians have never shared the gospel with anyone. They have never had the opportunity to win someone to Jesus. It’s not because they are shy and can’t engage in conversation, they talk all the time. It is not because there is no opportunity, opportunities are all around, they just don’t take advantage of them.
Some miss opportunities because of their knowledge and view on sharing the gospel. However, if you have been saved you have enough knowledge to lead someone to Christ. You can share your own experience. Paul did this over and over and was one of the greatest soul-winners of all time. In Acts 22 and II Corinthians 12, Paul remembers what Christ did for him. His story of how he came to know Christ was powerful, and yours is too. The transformation that salvation brings to anyone is an attention-getter. If our lack of knowledge is our excuse, it is our own fault. Anyone reading this has a world of Bible knowledge at their fingertips. The internet will open a world of ways to share your faith. This excuse is just that, an excuse, to keep you from obeying the word.
Fear of rejection is another reason some don’t share. They fear the person they are talking to will think they are weird and compare them to some cult. They fear family members, coworkers, or neighbors will stop including them in social events. While some of these fears may become realities if they are bold in their faith, it is selfishness that is driving this fear. They are not thinking about the eternity of those without Christ. They are thinking only of their own feelings. We need to remember that fear is not of God.
II Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
Another obstacle to sharing our faith is our apathy and lack of compassion. We just don’t care. Our “don’t care attitude” comes from the waning of our love for Christ. When we love someone, we want what they want. We care about the things that they care about. Jesus Christ cares about people. The eternity of people was the reason He came to earth to be a sacrifice for our sins. The souls of men are at the very center of the heart of God. We have no compassion because we have forgotten what it was like to live without hope. Paul never forgot the transformation Jesus made in his life. In Romans 9:3, his sentiments express his compassion for those of his Jewish heritage that are without Christ. He was so moved with compassion for them he was willing to sacrifice his own eternity if it would win them to Christ.
Romans 9:2-3 “That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:”
How do you overcome these obstacles to sharing your faith? One way is to be involved with other believers that are already sharing their faith. Be the “tag-along” person on outreach by your church. You can learn so much by just going with someone that loves sharing their faith. Band together with others to pray about those you know who are lost. Remember who you are. You are not your own anymore, you have been bought by the blood of Jesus Christ, and you need to die to yourself.
Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Remind yourself that love equals obedience. If we love Christ, we will obey. There is a direct correlation between your love for him, and your obedience to Him.
John 14:15 “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
We have been given the command to witness to others. It is not a suggestion, it is a command to every Christian. It is God’s way of winning others to Him. It is the reason you are left here after you are saved. You are not left to enjoy life, or to worship Him. If that were the purpose, He would take you on to Heaven where there will be a far greater experience of joy and worship than we can ever have on this earth. Our purpose for being here after salvation is to win others.
Matthew 28:19-20 “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
So, “what do you have to lose”? First, you will lose the opportunity to stand before Christ as an obedient servant. You will not hear him say “well done,” because you have not done what He left you here to do. You will miss the reward of the crown of rejoicing, or better put “soul winners crown.” (I Thessalonians 2:19) Second, and most importantly, for all eternity the souls of men, women, boys, and girls, will be lost in Hell forever! The torment they will experience will never end. Their blood will be on your hands if you did not seek to share Christ with them. Forever in Hell, there will be those screaming why didn’t you tell me. Those thoughts send chills up my spine and cause me to seek forgiveness for the opportunities I’ve missed. I can’t do anything about the times I have missed, but I can move forward and ask God to open my spiritual eyes and ears to those around me, and those I need to seek out to tell about Him.
