By Jackie Ricks
“The pastor mentioned an outreach program, but who’s he talking to? We don’t have any other preachers in this church, to my knowledge. Seriously, he ought to change his subject if he wants the members to pay attention. Jesus was talking to the apostles in Matt. 28:18-20. That wouldn’t include the ordinary church member, just pastors. Right?”
Have thoughts like this run through your mind before? Many people feel this way, even if they never actually entertain these specific thoughts. The general consensus, too often, is that spreading the gospel is for preachers, missionaries, pastors or perhaps even deacons, but certainly not for the average person, and definitely never for women! However, Jesus gave the Great Commission, as found in Matt. 28:18-20, to his apostles. In it, Jesus says, “…teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” If He commanded the apostles to go and tell, then He also expects all believers to go and tell as well, because He said to teach others to do what He commanded the apostles to do. And Jesus did not clarify that only men should tell. In fact, the Samaritan woman at the well went and told many people and then brought them back to see Jesus.
Maybe you think you don’t have anything to say to anyone, or that you don’t know anyone who isn’t already a believer — think again. You likely interact regularly with many people who may not be believers, or perhaps they just need to strengthen their faith. Consider the opportunities you might encounter in just one day — the volunteer who helps your child get out of the car line at school, the bank teller, the clerk and bagger at the grocery store, people in the post office, a neighbor, your children or grandchildren and their friends, family members and co-workers, among others. You might not believe that your life could significantly influence others, but reflect on how people impact you and your life.
For instance, in my life, my parents were significant role models. Sometimes I remember what they said, but at other times, the most lasting impression comes from what they did in certain situations and under specific circumstances. Various church members also influenced my life, some positively and sadly, some negatively. It’s a fact that the devil often can’t reach us through the “bad” people of the world, but he subtly changes us through negative examples of other believers. I’ve experienced the thought, “If he/she thinks that’s alright, then it must be since they are always in church.” That thought also makes me realize that my own actions serve as examples to others. Is that example good or bad?
That makes us realize that our witness to others is not just in words, but our actions often speak louder than our words. Yes, words are important, especially to let others know exactly who Jesus Christ is and what He does for us. Otherwise, people may just think that we’re a “goody two-shoes.” But it’s also very important not to just say the words without showing our beliefs through our actions. Remember, James 1:22 (ESV) tells us to “… be doers of the Word,” so we should let our behavior prove to others that we are true believers.
— These articles are shared via the National WMA web page blog that can be accessed at nationalwma.org/blog.
