Recently I have had several opportunities to share my testimony, how I came to know Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. The grace of God, his sovereign plan and his will for my life is so evident in my story because the extremes and sharp contrasts my life has taken.
The journey from indifference to hate and ultimately to loving submission is pretty easy to see in my life, as old friends would attest to and especially my wife who was used by the Lord in a mighty way to bring me to faith. The general reaction I get from believers when they hear my story is astonishment and even recently I heard, "That is the most amazing story I have ever heard." I am quite humbled by this and generally react in way that conveys my belief that every Christian has an amazing testament to how the Lord gripped their hearts.
I share this not because I want to feel good about myself and toot my own horn, but because the next thing I hear is generally, "You are so equipped to talk to non-believers." This is also quite humbling, but in a different way. Because I wonder if I am truly living up to that calling and am I sharing my faith with those who are indifferent to or hate Jesus Christ. I’m afraid the answer is that I don’t live the great commission as I ought.
This is a challenge to my heart, but not one in which I find despairing. It is one where I feel the Lord preparing me to stretch and grow, one in which I am excited about. I am ready to walk by faith and as John Calvin said, “to live the life of God”.
Posted by price at July 6, 2007 10:51 AM | TrackBackFunny...I get the same comment a lot about being particularly equipped to share the gospel with non-believers. Sometimes I wonder if that is just a diplomatic way of commenting on how good I am at sinning:)
But like you, I know I fall short of the command to share my faith. After feeling quite put-out as a non-believer by the abrasive tactics of some Christians, I sometimes wonder if as a result I now tread too lightly.
Posted by: Ally at July 6, 2007 12:02 PMlol I had never thought about that diplomatic answer....I must be in denial.
I appreciate what you are saying about treading too lightly and I think we need to ask ourselves what is the motivation. Are we treading too lightly out of a desire to gently bring others to Christ? Or is it because we fear what their reaction may be? Do we allow our fears of man to overcome our desires to serve God?
Like anything else I think it depends upon the situation and there are times to be bold and times to be humble. Finding the godly wisdom to know when to do what is only found by submitting to the work of the Holy Spirit in our heart. Then we are living the life of God.
Posted by: Jeff Price at July 6, 2007 01:45 PMI am trying to get a conservative digg alternative going called GOP Hub (GOPHub.com). Anything you can do to help with this effort would be awesome. Plus feel free to submit any articles you write here on your blog :). Take care and have a great weekend!
Posted by: Jon at July 8, 2007 04:28 AM