Evangelism: A Delight, Not a Duty

As single Christian women, we have a great opportunity to be used for the Lord to minister to other people. We can give listening ears to people who are hurting and defeated. People who need Jesus. We can take that extra 15-20 minutes to stay after work and minister to people who need to hear about our Saviors love and the goodness of God.

I recently heard a sermon on evangelism in a way that I'd honestly never heard before. I currently work full time and 3 days of the week I'm in the office. I've often prayed for the Lord to show me where I can minister to my co-workers. The problem is, I like my little desk in the corner and tend to keep to myself. I rarely need to collaborate with other people in the office and its easy for me to go an entire day without speaking to anyone.

As I've taken time to examine myself, I realize that I'm more comfortable engaging in conversation with other Christians. I’m more comfortable engaging in conversations where I know the other person has a common interest. But when it comes to people who believe in things totally contrary to me, I keep to myself and do not engage. Sometimes I wonder if I've made myself unapproachable. I think I maybe give off a perception that I don't intend.

This is a struggle I have no solution for. I'm just being honest with you. If you have any encouragement for an introvert, please share in the comments.

But back to the sermon I heard... it really stuck with me. The preacher was making the point that the in John 15, Jesus explains that his commandments are for our joy.

If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. John 15:10-11

Therefore, in Matthew 28 when Jesus gave us the Great Commission, the commandment to teach all nations (make disciples) was for our joy. He doesn't want us evangelizing out of duty, but delight.

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:18-20

Unfortunately, I've seen many examples of in my own life of Christians who evangelize out of duty. This leads to self condemnation and a performance based Christianity. In fact for one dear friend it led all the way from self condemnation to suicidal actions (thank God she was set free from that). She used to carry extra bibles in her vehicle and feel condemned if she didn't hand them out whenever she went to the grocery store.

I’ve taken the stance that evengelism is more effective when people see you living in an upright and honorable way. People will want to know why you are different…. Why you conduct yourself the way you do. Through that, doors will open, people will ask questions and so forth. But after hearing this message about evangelism being a delight and not a duty, it’s given me a slightly different perspective.

I want to be mindful of the opportunities I have around me to minister to people. I don’t want to force myself on them and make opportunities happen. But I believe the more I open my eyes and listen to the spirit’s leading, I’ll see where I can be the hands and feet of Jesus to share his love and grace with people.

This is all so much easier said than done, and I’m just learning and pondering these truths, but I just wanted to share.