"Millions of Christians live with a low-grade feeling of guilt for not openly commending Christ by their words. They try to persuade themselves that keeping their noses morally clean is a witness to Christ. The problem with this notion is that millions of unbelievers keep their noses morally clean. Christians will-and should-continue to feel bad for not sharing their faith. Christ is the most glorious person in the world. His salvation is infinitely valuable. Everyone in the world needs it. Horrific consequences await those who do not believe on Jesus. By grace alone we have seen him, believed on him, and now love him. Therefore, not to speak of Christ to unbelievers, and not to care about our city or the unreached peoples of the world is so contradictory to Christ's worth, people's plight, and our joy that it sends the quiet message to our souls day after day: This Savior and this salvation do not mean to you what you say they do. To maintain great joy in Christ in the face of that persistent message is impossible."
John Piper
In a way this makes my stomach sink to read. I now am stripped of one of my most beloved excuses for not sharing the Gospel. In another way though, I am set free. I am set free to actually face this guilt I feel and actually fight for the joy of sharing Christ with others. My King has given me a mandate to share with others the inheritance that has been so graciously bestowed upon me. Far be it from me that I should withhold it and squirm under my King's loving commands. John Piper is right. Not to share Christ sends a quiet message to my heart that my King is not worthy.
"The fight is to enjoy Christ so much that speaking of him is the overflow and increase of that enjoyment."
John Piper
1 comment:
very provoking and convicting, but in a grace-filled way, Keith recently gave a powerful message @ church on this very topic. thanx for sharing...
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