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Don’t Keep the Gospel to yourself

Sometimes we need hard and harsh words to wake us up. Like a wife who says to her husband, “We need to see a counselor; I can’t do this anymore.” Or a doctor who says, “We need to operate right now,” or a firefighter who bangs on your door, yelling, “Leave everything; you need to evacuate immediately.” Sometimes the situation is too dire for gentle words.

Jesus spoke harsh words of warning. For example, in Luke 12 he said to the crowds,

“Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? As you go with your accuser before the magistrate, make an effort to settle with him on the way, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the officer, and the officer put you in prison. I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the very last penny.” (Luke 12:57–59)

Jesus wasn’t talking about avoiding a lawsuit with your neighbor, but rather about avoiding an eternal life-sentence in hell. The kingdom of God arrived in Jesus, but the crowds were blind. They could rightly interpret things like the weather (Luke 12:54–56), but missed the glory and splendor of the Messiah standing and speaking inches away.

His words still indict us two thousand years later. We follow fantasy-sports standings, binge-watch the latest television show, track the presidential race, line up for the latest Apple product, but we often miss the glory and majesty of Jesus Christ in his word.

We can agree that the kingdom is imminent, but it’s meaningless when our lives fail to reflect urgency. So consider these three questions.

1. Who can I pray for regularly that doesn’t know Jesus?

If we truly believe in the saving power of the gospel, the eternal damnation of the lost, and the eternal joy we have in Christ, then the least we can do is pray for the lost to be saved. This priority trumps coordinating your outfit, playing your golf game, scheduling your lunch plans, fulfilling your bucket list, or planning your next vacation. We tend to spend our free time on hobbies and diversions at the expense of asking God for more laborers to enter the harvest fields or consistently making ourselves available as a laborer (Luke 10:2).

2. How can I intentionally befriend and engage with lost friends and neighbors?

I like to do all my banking online, and I always use the self-checkout at grocery stores. I sometimes prefer people-less transactions. And I doubt that I’m alone.

Yet because of the need to engage the lost, we must lean in where we’d prefer to lean away. How can you intentionally weave others into your life? Reduce how many times you play golf, scrapbook, shoot hoops, hit the gym, go jogging, or embark on a DIY project alone. Be strategic in inviting those who don’t know Jesus into those activities and others in your daily life.

3. When can I introduce the good news of Jesus into our conversation?

I know we all do evangelism differently, some better than others. But at some point, you need to witness to the power and work of the gospel of Christ. Be winsome and loving, but also be clear and straightforward. Don’t do “friendship evangelism” that has ten years of friendship but no evangelism. And don’t mow people down with Bible verses when you haven’t earned their trust, ear, or time. The balance is delicate, and the task is urgent.

There’s no perfect way to do it. It will look different with your context, situation, personality, and gifts. But just don’t make excuses for not doing it. Time is of the essence. Jesus calls his listeners to reconcile with urgency, and so we call others to do the same. Behold the glory hidden in plain sight, and declare Jesus’s glory urgently for the joy of the lost.

- Steven Lee

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