The Top 10 Myths That Keep Us from Sharing the Gospel
I love Top 10 lists, especially the ones on Sports Center, which rank the greatest successes (and sometimes failures) in sports. There’s even a website dedicated to the Top 10 of everything. There’s something that pulls us in when it comes to rankings and lists like this.
Like sports, evangelism requires action and dedication, so let’s consider the Top 10 myths that keep us from sharing the gospel--something infinitely more important than a list of best college basketball teams. Here’s my shot at it. I’d love to hear your additions to the list.
1. It’s too scary.
It can be. But the sinful nature likes to make it seem much worse than it is. The truth is that there is nothing in this life that will bring you as much joy as seeing someone come to know the forgiveness of their sins through Christ. There is some fear, but there is also joy on the other side. So what do we do with the fear? Do what the disciples did. Pray for the filling of the Holy Spirit and for boldness to overcome your fear and share the great news.
2. I’m going to be persecuted.
People are much more open to hearing the gospel than we are in sharing it. Yes, there are people who are hostile and defensive. But many are willing to interact, especially when we show love and care and ask good questions before sharing what we believe. Even if we do get some persecution, Jesus tells us that we are blessed when that happens.
3. We must “earn the right to be heard.”
” While there is merit in the idea of gaining a hearing, the notion of “earning the right to be heard” can tempt us to keep the gospel to ourselves. People all around us are making bold assertions about what is right and true. But we have the truth that God has called us to share with a world that desperately needs it. We need to do that sensitively and persuasively.
4. My neighbors, co-workers, and friends already know what I believe.
This might be wishful thinking. They may have noticed that you’re a kind church-goer, but do they understand how Jesus has changed your life and can change theirs? It’s better to ask than assume. You might discover that people all around you have all sorts of false notions about God and what it means to be a Christian.
5. My neighbors, co-workers, and friends already know what they believe.
We often assume others have thought about their spiritual beliefs to the extent we have. But many people haven’t considered spiritual issues deeply, even though they might have a few rehearsed objections in their back pockets. We need to lovingly discern these “smoke screens” and talk about the core issues that keep a person away from God.
6. People aren’t interested.
People are much more interested than we realize, especially with the pandemic and the difficult year it was for so many. People are lonely, confused, depressed, and very open to friendship. Our initiative and care can go a long way in building bridges for the gospel.
7. We can witness without words.
By definition, a witness is “one who testifies.” What if all the witnesses in a court were not allowed to speak? As Christians, our actions need to be consistent with our words, but they are not a substitute for them. Our lives testify to the transforming effect of the gospel, but it is the power of the gospel that saves.
8. I must have all the answers.
I’ll let Paul comment here: “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). If Paul didn’t let weakness stop him, neither should we!
9. I must have a close long-term relationship with someone before I can share the gospel with them.
While a close friendship helps, the gospel’s inherent power is not bound by our personal connections. God may bring people across our path, for even a brief time, by his sovereign design, in order that we would share the message of Christ with them. Remember the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26-4)? It was the Holy Spirit who prompted Philip to share with him. And the Holy Spirit wants to prompt us to do the same. Let’s pray and ask God to guide us in this way.
10. Sharing the gospel is inherently confrontational.
Most people are uncomfortable with confrontation. Sharing your faith should be a conversation, not a confrontation. Although there is a very real battle taking place in the spiritual realm, on a personal level, people need to know that we genuinely care about them. We need to refine the art of asking good questions and listening. If someone is clearly uncomfortable discussing God, then we should back off. But remember what Spurgeon said: “They may prevent your speaking, but they cannot prevent your praying.”