I was caught a little off guard but replied in a manner I
often do when someone asks me something that I have been reflecting upon and am
just bursting to discuss, “That’s a very good question”. See, a few months ago, someone asked me if I’ve
shared my faith with an unbeliever (in this case it was the litmus test
question) and I had no idea how to answer that.
No, I don’t go up to people, ask if they are a non-believer and then
walk them down Roman’s Road. That seems
absurd to me. Scripture quoting and
spiritual clichés are not my thing. But
I didn’t have an adequate response for why I was or wasn’t sharing my faith
with unbelievers because I really didn’t know if I was.
Back to last week’s conversation. I shared with her that I believe it is less
about having the right scripture to recite to someone than it is being a true
reflection of God’s love. For, when you
are a reflection of God’s love people sense that there’s more to you than what’s
surface. I’d like to think of it as a
spiritual connection of who lives in you and the internal struggle of
negotiating that with what lives inside the other person.
At any rate, over the past few months I’ve heard some
powerful anecdotes sprinkled in theologically-sound preaching that has
reinforced this for me. The first
message was delivered at First Baptist Church of Glenarden by a visiting
missionary from South Africa. He shared
a moving story of how his father, a known drunk and self-proclaimed atheist,
was converted through months of casual chess games with a believer that first
entered his life as the workman that re-carpeted his floors. Because of a chance encounter that evolved
into a friendship, not only was he converted but his entire family’s eternal
lives (and thousands others that are being impacted by the missionary’s work) were
changed. It wasn't done through a single conversation of proclaiming the man and sinner with certain damnation in his future. Instead a relationship was formed, through which the elements of his faith, and ultimately the nature of God, were exposed slowly but consistently.
A radio broadcast of a previously preached sermon retold the
story of Zacchaeus and Jesus. A
notorious and vehemently hated chief tax collector, Zacchaeus went to great
lengths to seek Jesus when he came to Jericho. Because he couldn’t
see due to the crowds and his short height he ran ahead and climbed a tree to
ensure he’d get a good look at Him when He passed. As He passed, their spirits connected and
Jesus told him to come down quickly because He was staying at his house. Jesus deliberately meet him where he was to
show love, compassion and concern. And
through this (and Zacchaesus’ desire to right his wrongs), his entire “house”
was saved.
The last story I’ll share is from just a few weeks ago where
a representative from Fresh Expressions
shared the concept behind this movement at a “Lunch and Learn” session at Downtown
Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA (where I work now!). As detailed in the introduction on their
website, “in many different places, Christians are
stepping out in faith and beginning fresh expressions of church: new or
different forms of church for a changing culture.” These are deliberate attempts to share faith
with unbelievers in authentic and unique ways that reach them at their points
of need.
So, with all that God has been
pouring into me lately, this is how I answered her question: I share my faith through the natural ways I interact
with people. I believe because of how I
carry myself they are able to see something different about me. It may not be on a conscious level at first
but they sense something different about me.
Then she began to speak. She shared that often people ask her why she
is happy. But she doesn’t know what to
say because she is just naturally happy.
Happy for the life God has blessed her with and the love He constantly
displays despite her unworthiness. She
mentioned that when she does share with co-workers that she’s happy because of
God, they flinch. I think the flinch is good. In a way it is pricking their spirit and
causing some level of discomfort. And
discomfort in sin or separation from God is good. I shared with her that she doesn’t need to
censor this reply in order for them to feel comfortable. My belief is that this is planting a
seed. One she may see grow or one that
will continue to be watered by others that God sets in their path. Then one day, the discomfort will become so
great and the truth so clear that things will suddenly make sense and the need
for a Savior will be undeniable.
We ended our conversation, both
of us drawing the same conclusion- I share my faith through my everyday
existence, meeting the person where they are.
Those that are lost likely aren’t going to be sitting on your pew at
church. Instead they are in your office,
on your metro bus, at your gym, in your neighborhood. Because those that are in most need of
knowing about salvation and being invited into a relationship with Christ are
around us in our everyday lives, it is imperative that our actions, words and
deeds are true reflections of God. Our
love should be a manifestation of His love.
Our words should be rooted in His truths. Our behaviors should be consistent with what
He did when He walked this earth as a man.
That’s when our faith is able to minister to others and suggest that there’s
something about us that is different.
Finally, I love what seems like
a promise to me. Through our authentic
sharing of our faith through every day, real-life experiences we are truly
living out the mandate that Jesus gave us- to make disciples of men. And what is so beautiful to me, as evidenced
in the stories shared above, when we do so we aren’t just impacting one
life. For that reconciled heart then
shares their faith with others, who in turn accept salvation and then share
with others, and so on. And I believe that is the true weight of the promise. So, our living a
life that conveys our faith can potentially save a generation of lost
souls!
Remember, because of Zacchaeus’
desire to know more, Jesus exposed him to the very essence of God and His glory,
causing him to repent. From this
experience he was saved. But not only
him, but his house. Salvation came to an
entire household (and in those days that meant everyone associated with his
house- wife, children, servants, etc).
How awesome is it to know that
our walk has the ability to change so many lives if we just allow our faith to
speak for us and minister to people at their point of need!
