A Risk Worth Taking
Life as we knew it a few weeks ago has radically changed. The days of open conversation are a fading memory as we “socially distance” and for many, remain completely isolated. As the distractions of life evaporate they reveal a grim world desperate for deliverance from our troubles. While the pandemic, loss of income, and altered life rhythms torment us outwardly, those realities can be overshadowed by the fear, anxiety, loneliness, and anger that erupt within. The world wants peace and safety but it is only finding chaos and danger.
The world is rightfully consumed with answering the pandemic. We thank God for the incredible scientists and medical professionals serving the infected and finding a cure. The selflessness and tenacity of the medical response to the physical crisis is heroic. They earnestly move toward the sick and dying knowing that their intervention will make a difference between life and death. Their urgency is an example to us all.
What urgency is there to our gospel message today? For months we have been asked, “Who’s your one?” Who has God placed in your life to call to repent and believe in Jesus Christ? No doubt we can all identify at least one unsaved person with whom we can communicate. The question now is, what will you do about it?
This is the day to make that phone call, send that email, write that letter explaining the hope we have within us (1 Peter 3:15). Yes there are a hundred good acts of mercy we can and should do for our neighbors. Yes there are sacrifices we must make to provide for others (Acts 2:44). And yes they will see Christ in how we serve (Matthew 5:16). But if done in silence, all of those acts of kindness could be better done by an atheist too. We have in our hands the eternal Word of God that truly transforms lives. Paul said in Romans 10:14, How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?” Today, you are that preacher. So preach it!
The risk worth taking is not one that endangers someone’s physical wellbeing by violating the spacial separation we must maintain. The risk worth taking is one that is bold enough to confront the spiritual and eternal danger others are already in. Being confined to our homes does not limit the power of the Gospel or our freedom to proclaim it. Let the urgency of this current crisis provoke us to contact those who will hear with Christ’s message of hope. The pandemic may rage on, but we long for others to know the peace that surpasses understanding that guards the hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7) of those who turn from their sins and believe in Christ alone for salvation (Romans 10:9).
The most important message the Apostle Paul had was the news of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthains 15:3). Let that be the predominate word others hear from us. So while we find ourselves in this season of isolation, here are several ideas to help carry out the great commission in a season of isolation:
- Pray proactively. Whether through an online message or a sidewalk conversation, start with simply recognizing that this situation is difficult and it can bring incredible stress into life. Let others know you are praying for them. Ask how to pray specifically for their situation. A simple start to the gospel conversation is letting people know that your care for them goes beyond information.
- Preemptive giving. Meet a need, before it appears. Drop off the now infamous toilet paper or sealed package of food, order a pizza to their home, leave an encouraging note on their doorstep. Simple steps that show a genuine concern for their well being.
- Always ready. While those around you may not reach out for hope today, let them know that you are always available to share resources, give encouragement, help for resolving conflict and ideas for passing the time.
- Use your pen. We have such a powerful example in how the Apostle Paul used his time in isolation. It was from his time in prison where he wrote the letters of Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Use your pen to write a letter of encouragement and gospel explanation to someone.
- Invite to online church. Invite those you are in contact with to listen to the sermons your pastor is preaching online. Encourage them to take an hour to tune in and learn where our hope comes from.
- Be salt & light. Let the joy of Christ that strengthens us and the love of Christ that anchors us flow through your home with such energy and volume that others around us see our good works and will be pointed towards Christ as the only explanation for our response to this season.
- Be resourceful. Take a look at the helpful evangelistic resources from our Gospel Toolbox. Here you will find articles, videos and illustrations for explaining the gospel online.