Greg Chandler
12/05/16
The term “personal work” conjures frightening images for many Christians. Some hear the term and immediately feel guilt pangs for a lack of effort in teaching the lost. Others picture themselves standing at a front door awaiting a “cold call” on a perfect stranger. Still others imagine encounters where they face a barrage of questions, ranging from where Cain found his wife to the four horseman of the Apocalypse. Despite whatever real or unfounded fears that may come to mind, teaching the gospel is a great privilege extended to the people of God. As believers, Christians can show love for their neighbors by providing them with the same soul-saving message that brought them to find the Lord’s salvation. When one reaches the conclusion this is a good work in which to be involved, a pertinent question comes to mind: who will I teach?
A generic answer to the above question is “everyone”; yet, everyone typically becomes no one. For those Christians who do display an interest in personal evangelism, there is often a keen focus on total strangers. There is certainly nothing wrong with this approach and the Bible bears this out. There is no indication the apostle Paul knew Lydia or the Philippian jailer prior to their conversions, yet he seized the opportunity to help these strangers. Peter was not acquainted with Cornelius, yet followed the Lord’s order and preached the gospel to him and his household. Simon did not know Philip, yet he forsook his magical arts (though problems later arose) and became a follower of Christ. The message of the New Testament is one of “broadcasting the gospel: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path[…]other seeds fell on rocky ground […]other seeds fell among thorns[…]other seeds fell on good soil” (Matthew 13:4-8). The Master Planter gives all soils the opportunity to hear and respond to His message.
While Christians should bring the message of the gospel to all, the greatest impact will most likely not occur with a cold call on a total stranger; those with whom a foundation already exists are more likely to listen. Nabeel Qureshi strongly verifies this point in his book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus. Qureshi was raised in a Muslim family and had no intention of abandoning the religion of his youth. However, this changed when a college friend took the time to teach him about Jesus Christ. Concerning this, Qureshi states:
Unfortunately, I have found that many Christians think of evangelism the same way, foisting Christian beliefs on strangers in chance encounters .The problem with this approach is that the gospel requires a radical life change, and not many people are about to listen to strangers telling them to change the way they live. What do they know about others’ lives? On the other hand, if a true friend shares the exact same message with heartfelt sincerity, speaking to specific circumstances and struggles, then the message is heard loud and clear. (pg. 120)
Few would disagree with Qureshi’s conclusion. While the gospel is for all and the gospel should be presented whenever opportunities arise, a relationship built on trust will typically provide a much better field in which the fruit of the gospel can flourish. Why, then, do many Christians find this concept so difficult and challenging?
While a number of answers could be provided for the previous question, one of the greatest fears is that discussion of the gospel will lead to a disruption in the friendship. Such a fear is not unfounded; there are occasions where religious discussions have ended friendships, made work relationships awkward, and brought discord to families. While each of these situations is disheartening, Jesus states it should come as no surprise: “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now on in one house there will be five divided, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law” (Luke 12:51-32). Sadly, the gospel of peace can create non-peaceful situations when it is rejected. This, however, is not reason to abandon hope. One’s approach can often prevent negative reactions to God’s positive message. Consider the following suggestions in this regard.
First, find common ground. Though Qureshi was Muslim and his friend David a believer in Jesus Christ, they both had strong similarities when it came to seriousness about religion, morals, and refuting evolution as explanation of man’s existence. This aided in the growth of their friendship, allowing later opportunities to discuss strong differences. Jesus, as the Master Teacher, illustrated this approach as He dealt with a Samaritan woman (John 4). Though they could not be classified as friends in a mortal to mortal sense, Jesus found mutual interest in water. From there, He built on her weak knowledge of a messiah until He ultimately brought her to see that He was the Messiah she needed to know.
Second, realize it may take time for someone to come to terms with Jesus. There are occasions when one sees the simplicity of the gospel message and reacts immediately. Others need more time; they need someone who knows the plan of salvation to patiently explain the grand story of the Bible. Christians often believe everyone should see God’s plan as clearly as they see it. In reality, however, their own knowledge was probably hewn over the course of several years. They must view their work in teaching the gospel as an endeavor in patience to bring someone to the knowledge God has revealed in His word.
Third, and most important, Christians must realize the need others have for Christ. If Christians ever allow the desire for good relationships to surpass the desire to share the message of salvation, they have failed to give the gospel the value it deserves. Paul discussed this value as he spoke to the Ephesians elders. He stated, “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified” (Acts 20:32). Helping one find the eternal security of salvation is of immense importance; it must never take second place in a Christian’s relationship with others.
May every Christian develop the desire to spread the gospel message to others. This great act of love provides opportunity for salvation. A few words spoken in love may very well alter the life of a friend not only on earth, but for eternity.