I just completed skimming through a "Ministry Audit" report for our Rocky Mountain Synod, the five state area of 166 Lutheran congregations of which we are a part. Unfortunately, the news is not especially good. Across the synod, we continue to see membership losses. While most of our congregations are strong in providing a sense of community for our members and doing a good job in helping others through our social ministry programs, we're not very strong in evangelism. For whatever reasons we tend to keep the "good news" to ourselves, being quiet witnesses to our faith.
I'm fairly typical of others in that regard. It's not that I'm ashamed or embarrassed to admit my faith in Christ, but I do want to be respectful of where people are coming from in their own faith journey. I have my story to share. I want to listen to other people's stories. In that sharing, my witness to my faith in Jesus can occur.
I do think I can be bolder in my witness. I am both impressed and inspired by many at Our Saviour's Lutheran who are outgoing in their witness. St. Paul writes in Romans 1:16, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel; it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek." The disciples fled, afraid of what was happening. Since I know the end result of the cross and resurrection, the good news of God's love and victory over sin and death, there is no excuse for me to flee or be ashamed. May we all be bold in sharing our faith in word and deed, so that the world may know God's love.
I fail in my witness to the Gospel and I pray that the Holy Spirit will empower me and all believers to be bold to share God's saving message. I think the devil to be at play when we feel shy about witnessing to others, why else would we decide not to share the grace and peace that we have been given? I am inspired to put on the full armor of God and let the Holy Spirit lead me to those who need to hear the Good News. Jesus has won the battle, we just need to share His victory!
ReplyDeleteI have loved reading your expressive comments, Julie!
DeleteI find that I do boldly speak of my faith...when it is comfortable and I'm in a 'safe' setting. As pastor said, I'm not usually ashamed or embarrassed to admit my faith. I'm just not courageous when circumstances are challenging.