Speaking with others about the things of God can be difficult, sometimes causing us to lose heart as we wonder whether or not our words—or God's Words—are even listened to. But it is not up to us to make sure people listen to us; it is simply our task to let them hear the Word of God. Romans 10:17 teaches us that, "faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ." So, let us cause others to hear His Word.
In the fast-paced world we live in today, many find it a nuisance to be held back by someone trying to talk to them about God. They have no time for these conversations, they say—but these conversations are the most important ones they will ever find themselves in. Everyone has a sense of the spiritual, and everyone ponders life's big questions at some point in their lives: How did I get here? Why am I here? Where am I going? Is there life after death? Will I see my family again? We have these answers as Christians...
Why Speak?
Now, some of you may be asking yourselves, "Why should I speak about God or evangelize others, aren't there evangelists and missionaries for that?" Well, yes, there are, but remember what Jesus said, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest." And guess what, we are all these "workers" to some extent. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus told His disciples (and, by extension, all believers), "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Notice Jesus didn't say to tell the evangelists and missionaries to do that; His great commission is for any and all who call themselves His disciples.
In short, we should speak to others about God because He said so. But much more than that, we should evangelize others because we have a message that is true! We have a message that was not invented by men. Peter put it this way: "We (the Apostles) did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty (2 Peter 1:16). And again, John asserted, "the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (John 1:14). Jesus' story actually happened; for who would die for something they knew to be a lie?
The truth of the Gospel is what drove the disciples to continue preaching and healing in Jesus' name despite being persecuted, beaten, and jailed. Nothing and no one would stop them because they had actually seen the risen Savior! In Acts 4:19-20, after having been warned not to speak in the name of Jesus, Peter and John told the Jews, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." They had to keep speaking.
What About Being Disliked?
What about being disliked by others? Well...what about being persecuted like the apostles? Or worse, what about being guilty of denying the very Lord that saved you (Matthew 10:32-33)? The apostles were persecuted—and most died a martyr's death—because of their testimony to Christ. Let us not worry so much about being disliked by people, seeking to please them by not bothering them; instead let us seek to please our Lord who gave His life for us (Galatians 1:10). The apostles had this mindset when they went evangelizing; they cared not what people thought of them, but only what God thought of them.
Therefore, the next time you find yourself giving others' estimation and acceptance of you a higher place than God's, or are timid at sharing Christ with others, remember these verses:
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
"Am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." - Galatians 1:10
"I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." - Romans 1:16
"Lord, look upon their threats and grant to Your servants to continue to speak Your word with all boldness." - Acts 4:29
"We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus...and exalted Him at His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." - Acts 5:29-32
"Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!" - 1 Corinthians 9:16
"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths." - Proverbs 3:3-6
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight." - Proverbs 9:10
Just Keep Speaking
Therefore, as the apostles kept speaking in Jesus' name, let us follow their example of boldness, assurance, and faith. A lost and dying world does not come to Christ through silent disciples. We must speak up for Christ, honor God, and guide people to His truth that saves. Like the famous Nike motto goes, "Just Do It!" Pray for boldness like the disciples did, and God will give you His Words to speak to your family and friends—He will go before you, prepare their hearts, minds, and do a work in them, even if little by little. In the meantime...just keep speaking.
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