A couple of weeks ago, I was coming out of the grocery store on the way to my car when a homeless man approached me and asked if I could give him anything to get food. Like most folks, I’m extremely careful whenever I’m approached, but it was in a well-lit area, lots of folks around, and this man seemed to be cognizant that keeping a safe space would better his chances of receiving; he made sure not to appear threatening in any respect. I had slipped a few dollars in my coat pocket and felt that giving them to him would be well with my soul, but before I did, I asked, “Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior?”
As Christians, we miss enormous opportunities to witness the Word of God to people every day. Either we’re too proud to open our mouths, we’ve made the horrendous mistake of devaluing and overlooking others, or we are persuaded that our two-cents will not have a significant impact. Whatever the case, we’ve created a culture within Christianity where many are quiet when they should be vocal, and they are vocal when they should be quiet.
Without hesitation, the man quickly answered, “Yes, I sure have. When I was a child, I went to church all the time.” He said. I could’ve taken his word for it right then and there, and given him the money, but I sensed that I was to say a bit more. I didn’t want to take a chance on losing a divine opportunity, so I said to him, “Before I give you this money, would you mind repeating this scripture with me.” I quoted Romans 10:9-10, and he repeated every word I said. After encouraging him with more of the Good News, I then gave him the money.
There was a time when I, along with other of my Christians friends, did a fair amount of this, but this was years past. We would be unwise to ignore the dangers that are present today, but this doesn’t mean that we abdicate our obligation to the call of God. It means that we are to be even more committed to walk by the Spirit, so that we can hear His voice and heed His call.
In Revelation 3:20(NLT), Jesus Christ said, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” This invitation from Jesus Christ should come through our lips to the hearts and minds of others as we introduce, or reintroduce, them to his love. God’s Word is alive! He said in Isaiah 55:11(NLT) “It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Our responsibility is to be a beacon of light in the earth, and extend to others what has been so freely extended to us. We are not to be concerned about how we are received. Our only obligation is to put God’s love in the atmosphere and be a witness. He will do the rest.■
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“He Will Do the Rest , written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.