Banff 2018
Most of us have heard the line attributed to Francis of Assisi, “Preach the gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.” I like it, and in telling people about Jesus, we need to have love for him and people for our words to have credibility. But I sometimes wonder if we use that quote as an excuse to avoid words. I have.
Knowing better
I stayed silent
though I’ve seen your majesty
experienced your grace
and learned from your wisdom
So
the rocks shout
about how you stay firm
and meadows declare
the abundance of life
flowing from your living waters
as mountains proclaim
their passionate goal
as they stretch heavenward
All because
I stayed silent
Now it’s time
for me
to shout and declare and proclaim
the glory you possess
Yes, creation shouts out the reality of God, “what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20). Even his specific attributes are visible, “The earth is filled with your love, O LORD” (Psalm 119:64).
But perhaps we can use these revelations from creation as a starting point with our words. We can make the connections they may not have identified before. We can ask questions to get them to think more spiritually. We can share our story of the process of God transforming us. We can help them see some assumptions they have made apart from evidence. We can show them some of the marvelous prophecies fulfilled in the life of Jesus that were given hundreds of years before his birth.
Paul knew the need for words, “’Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.’ But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:13-14).
Pretty clear, right? Yes, we must speak graciously. Yes, we must respect them enough to allow them to make different conclusions than those we have reached. Yes, we must continue to love and care for them. Yes, we must gauge their openness to hearing, and find the most opportune times. Yes, even so we may lose friends. Yes, even so we may face consequences.
If we’re not ready to shout, let’s just whisper about God.
Kick Starting the Application
For you, what obstacles keep you from telling people about God? Why do those obstacles work? For you, what makes it easiest to whisper? Will you ask God each day for the next week, to send opportunities to tell people about him?
PS For a deeper dive, please read Ezekiel 33:1-9.