By Jackie Ricks
“The pastor mentioned an outreach program, but who’s he talking to? We don’t even have any other preachers in this church that I know of. Seriously, he ought to change his subject if he wants the members to pay attention. Jesus was talking to the apostles in Matthew 28:18-20. That wouldn’t include the ordinary church member, just pastors. Right?”
Have thoughts like this run through your mind before? Many people feel this way, even if they never actually think these specific thoughts. The general consensus too many times is that spreading the gospel is for preachers, missionaries, pastors, maybe even deacons, but certainly not the average person and definitely never women! However, Jesus gave the great commission of Matthew 28:18-20 to his apostles. In it, Jesus says “teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” Well, if He commanded the apostles to go and tell, then He also expects all believers to go and tell as well because He said to teach others to do what He commanded the apostles to do. And Jesus did not clarify that only men should tell. In fact, the Samaritan woman at the well went and told many people and then brought them back to see Jesus.
Maybe you think you don’t have anything to say to anyone or maybe that you don’t know anyone who isn’t already a believer. Think again. You probably come in contact regularly with many people who may not be believers, or maybe they just need to strengthen their faith. Think about the possibilities you might see just in one day: the volunteer who helps your child get out in the car line at school, the bank teller, the clerk and sack boy at the grocery, people in the post office, a neighbor, your children or grandchildren or their friends, family members, co-workers, etc. You may not think that your life could possibly have any influence on other people, but think about how people affect you and your life.
For instance, in my life, my parents were big examples to me. Sometimes I remember what they said, but other times, the biggest impression is what they did at certain times and in certain circumstances. Various church members also influenced my life, some for the good, and sadly, some for the bad. It’s a fact that the devil often can’t get to us through the “bad” people of the world, but he subtly changes us through bad examples of other believers. I’ve been there myself with the thought, “If he/she thinks that’s all right, then it must be since they are always in church.” That thought also makes me realize that my own actions serve as examples to others. Is that example good or bad?
That makes us realize that our witness to others is not just in words. Our actions often speak louder than our words. Yes, words are important, especially to let others know exactly who Jesus Christ is and what He does for us. Otherwise, people may just think that we’re a “goody two shoes.” But it’s also very important not to just say the words without showing our beliefs through our actions. Remember James 1:22 tells us to be doers of the Word so we should let our behavior prove to others that we are true believers.
So true Jackie!!