Go here to read our introduction for spreading His Word.
What Holds Us Back
We can be pretty selfish.
Have you ever seen a t-shirt or bag that boasted the phrase, “It’s All About ME”? Sometimes we tend to warm up to that idea quickly, don’t we? Did you ever think that one reason we don’t share the gospel with others is for fear that they might actually show interest? We get so wrapped up in the things we want to do and places we want to go, that we don’t like the idea of changing our plans to coincide with His plans. When we become so entwined in ourselves, how can His Spirit work in us? In the passage of Matthew 20:25-28, Jesus says that those who are truly great are those who put themselves last, and serve the needs of others. Do we read anywhere in there that “it’s all about me”? No, of course not; that’s the world’s view, and we can’t love the things in this world! (I John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2) Jesus Himself “did not come to be served, but to serve” (Matthew 20:28). We must follow our Lord, and be willing to lay aside our plans at any time to help someone better understand the gospel, or to help them when they are in need.
We feel we don’t know enough.
We so frequently inhabit this excuse; and yes, it is nothing more than an excuse! Just like Moses in Exodus 3-4, we know the feeling of reluctance, the feeling of low confidence. When it all boils down, it’s easy to spot that these feelings are due to our lack of study, prayer, and meditation on the Scriptures. We’re told to be ready; we can’t say we didn’t know: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear” (I Peter 3:15). “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). If you have a small Bible (or if a larger one will fit), bring it wherever you go in your bag or car. If you don’t have a small Bible, ask for a pocket one for Christmas, so it will easily fit in even a small purse. It’s also a good idea to keep a reference notebook of where to find scriptures concerning certain topics. Be prepared to humbly and carefully explain answers to people who ask questions. Even if you are asked a question you don’t know the answer to at the moment, assure them that you will seek an answer and get back with them. It may help to write the person’s name and their question down in a notebook so you won’t forget to find the answer.
Whenever your fear of loneliness, tendency of excuses, and feelings of inadequacy plague your thoughts, take a breath, say a prayer, and remember—you have the power of the Holy Spirit to help you. Share the things you know with people, direct them to the Bible with their questions, and God will take care of the rest! (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)
My Duty
Consider deeply the two words that head this paragraph: My Duty. One thing that I am constantly reminding myself of is that if I know of someone who needs to know the gospel, it’s my duty; I am a child of God, a servant of Christ. Also, we realize it’s our duty. In Luke 17:10, Jesus says to His apostles, “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” After all He’s done for us, it truly is the least that we can do to give our lives completely to Him, and do what He asks of us. We’re not always going to do what He asks of us. We are imperfect servants. But God is so merciful and forgiving, that as long as we are pushing along, giving our best to obey Him, Jesus’ blood continually cleanses us from our shortcomings and sin. (1 John 1:6-9; Romans 7:15-8:4) Study the Scriptures, pray for forgiveness when you fail, and pray for strength and courage to fulfill the great duty He’s given you!
Pass It On
As we close, let us read the words to a devotional song by Kurt Kaiser called “Pass It On.” It is a great reminder of what we have to share with the world:
It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up to its glowing;
That’s how it is with God’s Love,
Once you’ve experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.
What a wondrous time is spring,
When all the tress are budding
The birds begin to sing, the flowers start their blooming;
That’s how it is with God’s love,
Once you’ve experienced it.
You want to sing, it’s fresh like spring,
You want to pass it on.
I wish for you my friend
This happiness that I’ve found;
You can depend on God
It matters not where you’re bound,
I’ll shout it from the mountain tops;
I want the world to know–
The Lord of life has come to me
I want to pass it on.
By Hannah Smith
Lovely. 💖💖