Evangelism has been on my mind lately, partly because of the pandemic, but mostly because I’m currently working through a study that is telling me how important it is. I wish I could say it’s changed my perspective, but there are a ton of studies and books that deal with evangelism, and I’ve read or studied a fair number of them. Books ranging from the finger-wagging admonishment that heaps on a thick layer of guilt for not personally filling a church to the relaxed approach of walking across a room to build a relationship first.
As a rule, I don’t have a problem sharing my personal testimony. Maybe I don’t do it enough, but the last thing I want to do is force eternity talk on an uninterested participant. I’ve wrestled with the supposition that I need to create my own opportunities, heard arguments for and against doing it.
When it comes right down to it, everyone has to decide how to fulfill the Great Commission according to their own conscience. Fortunately, I read a verse the other day that shaped my view and gave me peace going forward.
NASB 1 Peter 3:15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; (bolding mine)
If I sanctify Christ in my heart, I will automatically reflect the hope that I have in Him. When I do, people are going to notice, and they’re going to ask me about it. I won’t have to worry about the timing, or the openness of their hearts, I just have to be ready to give them an answer.