Pastor Cash got me thinking about this a year or so ago, talking about being intentional about sharing the gospel. But he said it in a new way. Let me explain.
I was brought up with the thought: we are to look for chances to show people the Roman Road and lead them to the sinner’s prayer – all in one encounter. I went to soul-winning workshops, etc. And I was made to feel guilty if I did not do it. We even went out from one workshop two-by-two, door-to-door, and forced it down a few folks throats – not from love of others, but from wanting to please our workshop teacher and knowing I would feel guilty if I didn’t do it…. And I turned away from this in disgust for many years. (On the other hand, the Lord can use encounters in spite of our motives to win new souls into the Kingdom, praise His Name).
The new way I see through Cash’s message is this: as I walk through the day, walk it in His love, being sensitive to His voice, letting Him awaken in my heart an interest in the ones I encounter; to show kindness and willingness to listen to what they say, listening with the heart; asking if I could pray for them if I sense a heaviness or sadness in their demeanor. And doing things like this: instead of paying for the gasoline at the pump, go in and pay inside and meet the proprietor; also go back to the same place next time to further the budding friendship. Use local stores to make routine purchases. Go out of the way (the rut) to meet the neighbors – let Jesus get me over my shyness (pride?) to take the first step at starting a conversation with them.
Anyway, that is the flavor of what I am thinking…
May the Lord bless everyone this week and fill each one with His love so that you may be “a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;” II Cor. 2:15
In His love,
Boyd
Filed under: General
