The gospel of Jesus Christ is the most significant message a believer can share. It carries the promise of eternal salvation and a transformed life.
Yet despite its profound importance, many Christians find themselves hesitating or even refusing to share it with others. Here are five common reasons why far too many believers participate in the Great Commission, and how you can overcome these challenges if you are one of them.
1. Short-sightedness – The fast-paced nature of our lives often distracts us from the eternal perspective. We become preoccupied with the here and now, focusing on worldly concerns like work, family and personal pursuits. The apostle Paul reminds believers in 2 Corinthians 4:17 that what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. It’s crucial for Christians to keep their eyes fixed on the eternal consequences of not sharing the gospel.
Sharing the gospel is not just an option; it’s a divine commission (Matt. 28:19-20), says Greg Stier of Dare 2 Share Ministries, who mobilizes teenagers across America to share their faith.
“We must remember that heaven and hell are real, and the gospel is the key to eternal life,” Stier says. “This realization should motivate us to take evangelism seriously and prioritize it amidst life’s chaos.”
2. Fear – Stier says evangelism can be intimidating. Even the apostle Paul, a giant in the early church, admitted to feeling fear when sharing the gospel (Eph. 6:19-20). However, a healthy dose of fear can remind us to depend on the Holy Spirit, our source of boldness and strength (Acts 1:8).
To overcome the fear of evangelism, we must acknowledge it, count the cost, and trust in the Holy Spirit. Fear should not paralyze us; it should compel us to step out in faith.
3. Ignorance – Many Christians don’t share the gospel because of biblical illiteracy. In 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, the apostle Paul provides a concise summary of the gospel, emphasizing Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. This core message is essential for all believers to grasp.
4. Bad theology – Occasionally, theological misunderstandings can hinder evangelism. Some believers may erroneously believe that evangelism is unnecessary because God will save the elect regardless of their efforts. However, Romans 10:14 reminds us that people cannot believe in the gospel unless they hear it preached.
It is essential to recognize that while God is sovereign in salvation, He has entrusted us with the responsibility of sharing the gospel. Our focus should be on fulfilling our role faithfully rather than fixating on God’s sovereignty.
5. Lack of Proximity – In our daily lives, we often surround ourselves with like-minded Christians, creating a “proximity problem.” Jesus, on the other hand, was known for befriending sinners and reaching out to the lost (Matt. 11:19). To effectively share the gospel, we must place ourselves in proximity to those who have yet to hear it.
Identify your proximity place—a setting where you can build relationships with those who need to hear the message of Christ. This could be at work, the gym, a coffee shop or anywhere you can engage with the unreached. Jesus’ example teaches us the importance of reaching out to those who need His hope.
Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” It’s the Great Commission, and no believer is exempt from it. There are challenges, but we must continually remind ourselves of the significance of the gospel and be willing to step out in faith to share its message—one that will transform lives for eternity. {eoa}
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Shawn A. Akers is the online editor at Charisma Media.
