Everyday, without fail I am a witness to the consistency and fervency of this organization’s commitment to evangelism. On countless occasions they are politely or even aggressively ignored. However, they return daily unaffected by their constant dismissal.
I began to think to myself why are they being rejected? Why do people take their pamphlets and 10 seconds later discard it without reviewing it’s contents. Is it because it would interrupt the flow of their day or because these evangelist appear fanatical for standing outside train stations and street corners spreading the gospel.
Suddenly I was ashamed. Not because I was approached or asked if I was a believer, but because I felt ineffective as someone who identified as a follower of Jesus Christ. I too should have been standing on the corner and telling everyone passing ” Jesus saves! Give your life to him today!” Matthew 4:19 says, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” Furthermore in Luke 14:23 it says, “And The Lord said unto the servant, Go into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” So I began to chastise myself for not being diligent in evangelical exploits and not answering the great commission of sharing and spreading the gospel.
But then I recalled 1 Corinthians 3:6 where Paul writes, ” I have planted, Apollos watered; but GOD gave the increase.” In his three years of ministry Christ spoke to varying groups of people but whatever the size he left an indelible impact on there hearts and they were compelled not so much by what he said but how he made them feel.
So I realized I don’t necessarily have to be a “side walk prophet” to be effective in evangelism. I just need to continue to live a life In which my light can shine. Those around me must always be able to identify the mark of Christ stamped on my heart. If not that’s when I’ve become ineffective. Your family, friends, neighbors, and those random people who you start great conversations with, they are ones who you can reach first because you have an intimate relationship with them. So start there and if you see where it takes you.
It was those intimate moments with his twelve disciples did we see the ministry of Jesus Christ at it’s best Why? Because he was nurturing nourishing, and entreating them like a father and friend. He mentored them and left a legacy that they could then pass on and almost 2000 years later is still being effective. Miracles, signs, and wonders are important but if people don’t know Christ it will all be for nothing.
Sidewalk prophets SERVE their purpose and like all ministries each person is called unto there own.If everyone was on street who would be in the house teaching, preaching, and spending time to development the new members of the body? Paul planted, Apollos watered; but GOD MUST and will give the increase.
My Directive: we must all find OUR place in the kingdom and begin to work! The kingdom of God is at hand are you busy working?
Martina Kristian