I may be wrong, but chances are most Christians will agree that we are supposed to evangelize. The Lord’s final words were in essence marching orders (Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 1:8). The Bible compels us to tell others about the gospel of Jesus Christ which is the power of God to salvation (Romans 1:16). Yet, with all this truth in mind, our gospel proclamation is not what it should. We know we should evangelize, but we do not, and we often excuse, justify or rationalize why we do not tell our unbelieving loved ones and strangers about the gospel. Let me suggest five reasons why we do not evangelize.
We are afraid God will have compassion
This may seem strange, but we are sometimes guilty of Jonah’s attitude and fear. Jonah resisted going to proclaim repentance to Ninevah because he feared the Lord would have compassion and save them from their sins. We like Jonah know the power of the gospel and the heart of God to save sinners, but sadly we have a prejudice towards sinners that, if we were honest, we do not desire for them to be saved.
We are not persuaded of the sinfulness of the people
We believe people are bad and no one is perfect. Moreover, we may even use the word sinner, but we are not convinced of the hopelessness and helplessness of those who do not believe. We have been conditioned to think lightly of the wickedness of man. In fact, we blame people’s sinfulness on culture, circumstances and their relationships. In addition, because of this deficiency in our view of the sinfulness of people, we do not see the urgent need of the gospel. We are not compelled to plead with people to be reconciled to God.
We cannot clearly state the gospel
We have heard the gospel mentioned hundreds of times. We claim to believe it, but many evangelicals cannot clearly articulate what the gospel is. Invariably we are hesitant to tell people about it. Are you able to explain the gospel when called upon without planning? Can you summarize it in a minute or two?
We doubt the wrath of God
Do you believe in hell? Are you convinced that non-believers are under the wrath of God (Ephesians 2:3)? Part of the urgency of the gospel is the miserable condition that unbelievers are in and the sentence of judgement from God which is upon them. When we doubt the wrath of God, we lose the urgency of the gospel.
We are too preoccupied with self
Many things preoccupy our attention. In addition, they seem more important and urgent. We have family, school, work and social responsibilities and commitments. Intentionally talking to people about the gospel is simply not high on the priority list or that important and urgent.
So what is a Christian to do in light of these truths? For starters, it is clear evangelizing does not come accidentally; it calls for a deliberate effort on our part. Let me offer five ways we can cultivate a heart for evangelism.
1. Pray for the salvation of the lost with fellow Christians.
2. Apply the gospel in your life on a daily basis; the transforming power of the gospel should be evident in your life.
3. Talk about the power and impact of the gospel in your life with fellow believers.
4. Practice hospitality and invite people into your home with the goal of talking about the gospel with them.
5. Seize opportunities and be willing to take risks for the sake of the gospel.
Facing a task unfinished
That drives us to our knees
A need that, undiminished
Rebukes our slothful ease
We, who rejoice to know Thee
Renew before Thy throne
The solemn pledge we owe Thee
To go and make Thee known[1]
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