But They Aren’t Interested. . . And Your Point?

I remember sitting in a business meeting as a group of folks took turns suggesting whom to invite to their meeting. They’d bring up a name, then make an excuse for why that person would not want to come. I couldn’t believe it.

Do you think this way when witnessing to others or inviting them to church?

Have you ever told someone, “No”? Did that mean “no” forever? Sometimes it could, but most of the time “no” means “no, not this time.” Circumstances and needs change.

If you have ever done any marketing, you may realize that most folks have to hear about a new product or service many times before they decide to try it. As they begin to hear about it more and more, they begin to wonder about it.

Most folks hear about Jesus more than once before they try Him too. The Holy Spirit does the drawing, but they are always free to say, “No.” They may say it many times.

When you do not ask someone to church or when you do not share Jesus with them simply because they have said, “No” in the past, you are in effect making their decision for them. You are removing that particular opportunity.

Perhaps you tone down your enthusiasm for the Lord when you are around other folks. Just because someone doesn’t believe as you do, it’s no reason to tone it down. There’s no reason to hide it.

Francis of Assisi said, “Preach the gospel all the time; if necessary, use words.”

He was right.

Jesus said the following:

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16

We may be tempted to hide our light. Out of courtesy to others, we may be tempted to not ask them to church one more time. We may be tempted to not witness to them again, but that is not what scripture encourages us to do. Is it?

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18

Jesus says that the gates of hell shall not prevail against the church. We were called to win the lost by letting our light shine. We were called to be an advancing army of God that will defeat the gates of hell. When God uses you to win the lost, that is exactly what you are doing. For that person, the gates of hell were defeated by the blood of Jesus.

LIFE APPLICATION

Today’s challenge is to ask yourself what you can do today to let your light shine out of obedience to God. Where can your light pierce the darkness? Who can you share Jesus with today? What difference can you make where you are standing?

Where can you let God use you to defeat the gates of hell and bring one to Jesus?