In yesterday's post, I came to the conclusion that my biggest regret in the future could be not taking Jesus' command seriously to tell the world about him. In particular, I want to make sure I share the gospel with my family and friends.
But there are three things that often get in my way, and in this post I'm going to take a look at what those things are, and how I might be able to get past them, so I don't end up regretting my inaction in the future.
1. Lack of boldness
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:17)
Suprsingly, for someone who is a pastor in a church, I often shy away from conversations about Jesus with my family due to lack of boldness. It feels weird as the younger son or brother telling them they need to follow Jesus and change their lives.
Parents usually give children advice - not the other way around. I make silly excuses like this one above instead of doing the bold thing of telling my family I love them, but Jesus loves them so much more.
Growing up in Northern Ireland you could hear the Gospel five times before you even had breakfast. People are used to it and become apathetic towards Jesus.
I want my family, my friends and the country I love to grasp what Jesus has done. To speak and live in boldness of Jesus and what his sacrifice on the cross means for all people. Often when I talk to my family about Jesus I lack boldness or confidence in Jesus even though I know the truth and importance of what he has done.
2. Lack of Urgency
No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish (Luke 13:5)
There are consequences for rebelling against God, and sometimes I forget the urgency in that. I suppress the reality of the situation my friends and family are in, that don’t know Jesus as their Saviour. Scripture makes it clear time and time again that belief in Jesus is needed for salvation. In one of the most famous passages, God shows us the reality of the situation.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
I don’t like thinking of people I know and care about perishing, but without Jesus that is the truth. This should motivate me to action and urgency. Heaven is bliss, death is real and hell is terrible. Eternal separation from God is not want I want for anybody. This should drive me to be more urgent with the Gospel because I know it is true and I also know the consequences of sin.
3. Lack of Love
Why, if you believe there’s a heaven and a hell, do we think that it’s not really worth telling people about it because it would make it socially awkward?
If we have the words of eternal life, how much do we have to hate somebody to not to tell them about it?
I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.
This quote is from Penn Jillette, a noted atheist and the guy who has put evangelism in perspective for me. I love my family and I want them to know Jesus as their Saviour. I want to tell them about everlasting life because I love them. But more importantly, God loves them even more deeply. Out of a lack of love, I can be unmotivated in telling them about Jesus.
Every day I pray for my friends and family who don’t know Jesus as their Saviour because I love them and I know Jesus is what they need.
I also pray that my biggest regret will not come true. If this article is true of you as well I urge you to be on mission for Jesus and tell people what Jesus has done for you and for them on the cross.
