Do you struggle when asked a question about your faith? Is it because the question is too strong or is it that your answer is too weak?
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
First let me confess that I sometimes (more times than not) struggle with both gentleness and respect when sharing my faith. I feel the reason for my doubt is because I take too much of the responsibility for the salvation of others upon my self; as if I have ever done anything, at anytime, to save anybody. The facts would support the position that I think it is something I will say or do that will sway them to accepting Christ. In that moment, I have forgotten the Gospel, gift of the Holy Spirit and the life changing work done in my own heart to become a salesman of salvation thus negating the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. I am working through some material written for the discipleship of new believers and was triggered to confess to you all by writing this blog:
(Matthew 16:13-17)
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ”Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, ”But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter replied, ”You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, ”Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.
As I sit here and think about that piece of scripture, the words of Jesus Christ exclaim and remind me that I am not responsible for the salvation of anybody, not even myself. My responsibility comes from the Father, by seeking the truth in scripture and helping others understand what is asked of them once they’ve accepted the gift freely given to us. The truth of Gods love, clearly foretold through Old Testament prophecy of the birth, life, teaching, sacrifice, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as documented in the New Testament.
It is my struggle with sharing Jesus Christ with others that will cause me to sometimes wrestle with the idea that I may not actually believe in Jesus Christ enough to be saved. Maybe I did not really invite Him in to change my life, maybe I did…and that is where I stop. I did and I live (most days) the tangible evidence that cannot be denied: Joy.
I hope this season, regardless of your opinion of ‘the holidays’, finds your heart filled with joy and life filled with meaning. I am not here to offend, but if that happens then I must reflect on what I’ve done to cause the offense. If it is because I’ve forgotten who God is and who He expects me to be in word or deed, I’ll make amends. If I’ve offended anybody as a result of proclaiming Christ as Lord or sharing scripture, I have to leave that offense where the ‘offended’ finds it because it is not mine to fix.
I am willing to struggle with anybody who has questions about Christ, but please do not expect me to have all the answers: God provides the answers. When in times of selfishness and pride, I find myself standing on one leg with my arms in the air saying “I don’t know what I’m doing, I’m out of control and I need help”…grace abounds and help arrives. Thank you Jesus.
In Christ,
Wayne
Posted on December 15, 2011
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