A Dangerous Faith

Evangelism and the Christian Walk- (from The Danger of Complacency)

I’ve learned over the years that evangelism and spreading the Gospel may not look the same for everyone. My mentality, which often hindered me, was that I needed to be out on a street corner yelling at people for Jesus to be considered good at fulfilling the Great Commission. But what I’ve come to realize is that service, in general, is the beginning of evangelism.

The world will primarily see Christians by their actions. And while these actions do not in any way save us from sin, they are a product of a new life in Christ. When we look at the danger of complacency, what is it that’s making everyone so complacent? Why are the churches not grow- ing disciples? I’m beginning to have some idea as time goes by, though I certainly do not have all of the answers. I’ll speak to what has caused me to fall into complacency at times—lack of purpose.

My maternal grandmother was a great example of fulfilling her God- given purpose and running the race of faith to completion. Late in her life, God put it on her heart to create a place where all who wanted to sing for the Lord could come and perform, regardless of abilities.

Her “Sonshine Gospel Singing Barn” became her purpose, and she used it for many years to glorify God. My grandpa also responded to God’s call in this by doing everything he could to make sure her gospel barn became a reality. Gospel singers locally, and later from all over the country, would come out on the 3rd Saturday every month for many years to sing to the Lord.

Even when diagnosed with aggressive cancer, God sustained her longer than the doctors expected so that she could continue the work for Him here on earth. When her time finally came, she went on to glory having fulfilled her purpose for God, and no doubt heard “Well done, good and faithful servant” when she closed her eyes and entered into her Savior’s arms.

We are put on this earth to glorify God using the gifts and talents which he has bestowed upon us. When we realize that the ultimate goal of the Christian walk is not just buying our ticket to heaven but in achieving our God-given purpose in this life as well, we begin to have a goal or something motivating to work towards. I must again emphasize that this working towards purpose is not in any way saying that by doing better at seeking our calling, we are saving ourselves by works. This is speaking to the sanctification of the believer. Again, that is the daily walk with Christ and maturing in the faith that comes as a product and a requirement of justification in the moment of conversion.

If we truly assess our gifts and abilities, it’s easy to get a general idea of what we can do well. Some are skilled builders, some are musicians, some are good with learning languages. others may be teachers, writers, or pastors. Being in ministry does not automatically mean you have to be the lead pastor of a church. When we realize what we can contribute, the church begins to see growth. Then outreach and service, which ultimately lead to evangelism and sharing the Gospel, can take place in a very natural way.

I speak to this more now, some years after beginning this section because we have ultimately found a church in our hometown that fully embraces this concept. And they are doing great things for the community while still training up believers who are truly saved and desiring to grow in their walk with Christ. our pastor encourages us to use our gifts and talents for outreach and within the body. Some are good with technical things, and perhaps run media on Sundays. Some own companies that can provide a product or service for families in need. We can all contribute.

This contribution and working towards our purposes, with other believers engaged in doing the same, naturally leads to fellowship and growth in our walk. There is no avoiding it. There is a motivation, there is support, and there are training and teaching during the week to help encourage us and redirect us back to the reason we do any of it. Evangelism may sometimes be standing on a street corner handing out pamphlets or spontaneously praying for someone you meet, but it can just as easily be coordinated activities for outreach, mission trips, community engagement, or just simple service within the church. Serving actively in your church gets your mind set for the week and keeps you engaged with other believers throughout the week. You make friends who are trying to grow just as you are, and you grow together in faith and fellowship. Meanwhile, your heart inclines more towards Christ and your faith matures. This also leads to more opportunity for evangelism, either by how you are perceived in daily life (people always watch the actions of a Christian) or perhaps in telling someone about Christ now that you have learned to better express your faith.