PRECIOUS PEARLS

And then he told them, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone. Anyone who believes and is baptized will be saved. But anyone who refuses to believe will be condemned.” Mark 16:15-16 (NLT)

This is a definite call to evangelism for us as Christians and is our ultimate duty. God does not whisk us up to heaven the moment we are saved. He leaves us here to bring others to know him. But, I believe there is a balance to carrying out this great commission.

When I first came to know Christ at the age of 12, I did not understand all the implications of being saved. So, it was difficult to share it with others. It was not until the age of 30 when I came into a true relationship with Jesus that I possessed the exuberance and desire for others to know him as I did. And I went about it in a wrong way—especially with my husband at that time.

I acted as if the light I had entered into emanated over those around me as well. As I spewed forth Bible verses and Christian phrases expecting my husband to understand, frustration entered our relationship and the friction of my godly ideals pushed us apart. It was only after I realized that he remained in the dark and could not understand the things of God because he had rejected them that I backed off and simply tried to live an example of what I believed. But, the damage had already been done. He would no longer even think of listening to my valid points and I lost the cause.

Today many wonderful Christian people surround my life, but I also find myself in the midst of those who still don’t know Him. So, how do I begin to share my faith with the ones who are still in the dark?

Acts 17:22-23 explains it like this:

So Paul, standing before the council, addressed them as follows: “Men of Athens, I notice that you are very religious in every way, for as I was walking along I saw your many shrines. And one of your altars had this inscription on it: ‘To an Unknown God.’ This God, whom you worship without knowing, is the one I’m telling you about.

Most people are religious or spiritual by nature. It is built into us because we are created by God. But, these individuals are not worshipping the God I know. They are worshipping the god of money, or lust, or greed or religious rituals…the list is endless.

In order to bring light into their lives, I must begin by understand where my audience is spiritually and let them know I understand. I too was there once. For we have all heard the phrase, “a person doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” I must begin with a gentle voice and lead them from their point of beginning without force.

This is what Jesus was talking about when he said, “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you. (Matthew 7:6)

While I understand that I must not be afraid to share my faith, I also must discern who is really listening. Living my life in a way that makes others desire the peace and joy that I project draws them into the edge of the light. Then I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my conversations and refuse to argue my point. Instead, I plant the seeds and water them with prayer.

This is the key to winning souls for Christ.