Just as Jesus was on this earth for a short while to make the truth of Himself known, His followers are on this earth for a short while for the same reason. For me personally, this doesn’t mean preaching on Sunday mornings or standing on the sidewalk with a bullhorn. It just means living life as a believer around anybody and everybody.
Peter tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 to “set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
The last part of that verse is crucial. We as the church have done a lot of harm by not being gentle with people or respectful of who they are or where they’re coming from.
I believe that an equal exchange is the bare minimum. Three years ago, after reading I Sold My Soul on eBay by the friendly atheist Hemant Mehta, I was motivated to host an interfaith conversation in the shop I then owned.
My friend Tim (a Bible scholar) and I invited people from the local Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim and Free Thinker communities to engage in a conversation. The idea was to present a topic—in this case “Creation and the Environment”—and invite people to share what they believe about how we got here and what our responsibility is to care for the creation based on our spiritual beliefs.
The result was an amazing conversation that was not argumentative or hostile from any viewpoint. We just talked.
That night I made friends with local atheists, Hindus and Muslims whom I otherwise would have never befriended. Since that time we have tried to maintain those relationships and have seen some visit different gatherings of the church—one of which was the most determined atheist I have ever known. He hasn’t accepted Jesus, but he’s a lot friendlier to the idea of Christ than before.
People are people, and when you treat them the way you would like to be treated, it’s amazing the opportunities you have to share your life and faith. The Great Commission is a command to make disciples, not converts. Making disciples requires time and relationship, and relationships consist of two-way interactions.
I would encourage you to engage someone in conversation to learn about them and what they believe and why. If we lay aside an agenda, we have an opportunity to love people (1 John 3:18), and when we love people, they want to know who we are and where that love comes from. That is our witness.
Beau Armistead is a member of Shades Valley Community Church (EFCA) in Birmingham, Ala., and is the director of Lone Sheep Ministry—on a mission to bring the love and truth of Jesus Christ to nomadic people (and anyone else who will receive Him). He can be contacted via e-mail or Facebook.
12 Comments
I’m on my ipod right now so i will have to be more complete when i am at a computer - but in a quick response, i am going to have to say i disagree with most of this. Jesus did not use His short time on earth living life and radiating something that caused people to want Him; He preahed repentance, and His life was spent seeking and saving the lost. He also declared the world who hated Him would hate us - friendlyness to Christ without surrendering your life to Him seems like a betrayal of the message of the Gospel. If the gospel is understood it should either cause opposition or acceptance, not indifference or apathy.
Agree mostly, thanks. One caution I would have is to define what is meant by “laying aside an agenda”? If “laying aside an agenda” means laying aside the desire or purpose of bringing them to Christ then this would work against the Great Commission. But your article doesn’t seem to say this. So not sure what is meant by the “agenda.”
Ok, I am going to have to disagree with most of this. Our witness is the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and our love and life should reflect that, but it is not a replacement. Jesus was only on this earth for a short time, but He did not spend that time radiating a lifestyle that made people want Him - He lived to seek and save the lost - He preached repentance and faith in Him. And the need was based on sin… The Gospel is offensive, and when it is understood, the options for response are either opposition or surrender. It seems that the idea of being friendly to the idea Christ and be an unbeliever is a contradiction - Jesus said if you aren’t with Him you are against Him. Indifference and apathy are not an option. Maybe we shouldn’t be on the corner with a bullhorn, but how will they hear without a preacher? So although a bullhorn isn’t ideal, it is better than silence hoping one will someday ask. And the time that is lost while we wait?! The atheist who is friendlier to the idea of Christ, will die and go to hell without Jesus and this may happen before he ever asks about the hope in us. One of the accounts of the great commission shows the importance of discipleship, the other says preach the gospel to every creature.
Beau, It sounds like you have some great opportunities to speak into the lives of others. I found myself praying Colossians 4:3-4 over you as I read. I have often thought about why Peter exhorts me to be gentle and reverent as I share the hope that is within me. I believe it’s because my natural tendency is not be be gentle or reverent when speaking to people who believe differently. So it’s a reminder to me to make sure I am controlled by the Spirit of God. I have also found that when I speak to someone about who Jesus claimed to be, the purpose for which He came, and that their eternal destiny hinges upon faith in Christ they may have a negative reaction. Peter reminds me that my response to their rejection of the Gospel is also a testimony to them of God’s grace in my life. Brad
I recommend that Beau and others so inclined read the book just published, Engaging Islam by Georges Houssney (available on Amazon) to understand how gentleness and respect is viewed by Islam. We are living in a very dangerous time; a time when we must realize that the enemy is the enemy ... very real and with an agenda that will NOT be laid aside.
Great thoughts, Beau. You’re describing the mindset that virtually all of our cross-cultural workers have adopted. They take the time to cultivate genuine relationships with people who are far from God. The accusation that Jesus was a friend of tax-collectors and sinners suggests that He cultivated genuine friendships with them (as opposed to merely being friendly toward them). I wholeheartedly agree that treating others the way we want to be treated is good, sound wisdom in sharing Christ.
As a response to some of the comments above, I think it’s a mistake to use Jesus or Paul as the norm for evangelism. Jesus was the Messiah and Paul was an apostle. The epistles don’t demand that every believer have their gifting and calling. The norm seems to be bearing “witness” and “giving an account.” And I view it more as a team effort - different members of the body of Christ having different roles in leading people to Christ.
Thanks again for the thought-provoking article.
Beau,
You have set in opposition two things that the NT never sets in opposition “making disciples” and “making converts”. These are inseparably linked as you cannot make a disciple without first making a convert. Every true disciple has been converted from an addiction to sin and love for everything but God and animosity towards the Triune God to trust in Christ which yields a life of love for Christ and a desire to be like Christ through hearing the gospel and being born again by the Spirit through that gospel. In the mercy, John
Beau, Thanks for your encouragement. As Steve R. notes, our savior was famous for hanging around with sinners, to the disgust of the religious establishment. Sinners flocked to Him - they obviously felt safe and accepted, while He offered them repentance and new life. Becoming friends with those who don’t agree with us is not equal to endorsing or legitimizing their lifestyle or beliefs. If so, then Jesus should be accused of naivety at least, serious error at most.
I wonder if this is why so many fear friendship with Muslims or gays or illegal immigrants(or whomever is the current bogeyman). Do they think such relationships will embolden the bad guys, and so friendship is equivalent to aiding and abetting the enemy?
Then what about loving our enemy? Treating them like we want to be treated? I guess I disagree with Steve here. They aren’t just “good, sound wisdom in sharing Christ.” They are commands, direct commands from our Lord and Master.
Where does this idea that being friendly and loving somehow means not sharing the radical call to repentance and faith, to surrender and submission to Jesus Christ? That somehow unless one is oppositional they are not being faithful to the Gospel? What? I’ve found that when there is mutual respect, my friend is far more likely to listen to me as I explain biblical truth.
Like you, the most amazing conversations I’ve had with Muslims and other unbelievers have come after we have become friends. May we grow in love, loving our God, our neighbors, one another, and even our enemies.
Matthew 22:36-40 36
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
1 Corinthians 3:6
I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.
Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
To sum up:
Love the Lord with EVERYTHING you are;
Love ANYONE you come in contact with as yourself;
Know your role-Sow seeds of faith in Christ by being obedient to Him and LEAVE THE saving and GROWING to God;
Because of who He is and what He has done, GO,train, reach, and baptize ALL NATIONS in His name, teaching them repentence, obedience, and grace, and do this confidently, diligently, knowing that our Savior, the Lord of ALL CREATION is with you ALWAYS!
p.s.
Matthew 5:44
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”
“May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Bill
I certainly enjoyed reading this very thought provoking article and having read it and a few of the following comments I thought I might add a thought or two. Having been blessed with the opportunity to serve for over 30 years in full-time ministry I must say that I am in full agreement that the Gospel would be well served by a people who would be willing to take the ‘time’ to truly care about individuals to the point of, as you said “making Him known” to them through their lives!
It saddens my heart, and I believe Jesus heart also, that so many Christians are convinced that they have only effectively shared the Gospel when they have sufficiently offended people and thereby have fulfilled their duty to ‘preach the Gospel’! I am convinced that this type of behavior is often based in one of the three following mind sets:
1. The individual is not confident in their relationship with the Lord and/or their knowledge of scripture so mostly out of fear they feel a need to take an offensive position with the Gospel or
2. The person is not really ready to lay down their life for another individual, that is being willing to really get to know that person and build a relationship (bridge) by which they might share the Gospel or 3. The person believes in a ‘works’ based Christianity and are trying to earn favor with God by doing ‘good works’.
In Matt. 9:10, Mark 2:15, and Luke 5:29 (The Message) in each of these Verses it is noted that Jesus was eating supper with “Disreputable Characters” The scriptures tell us that the only people offended by this type of open fellowship with sinners were the Pharisees who called it “being cozy with crooks and riff-raff” Matt. 9:11 (Message) I wonder when was the last time that we could have been accused of being “cozy with crooks and riff-raff” ? John 13:15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done..
Thank you all for your response to this article. I’m sorry for my slow response, I had a crazy week of finishing final exams. I’d like to interact with your comments individually, so I’ll start from the top.
Tim, thank you for your comments. First, I’d like to say that as a follower of Jesus, my number one “agenda” in life is to make Him known to the world around me. Although conversation is a great way for that to happen, I think that conversation should be secondary to my life and my actions (1 John 3:18). I would not expect a complete stranger to give any credit to anything I have to say. If they have had a chance to know me, then what I have to say will carry much more weight. We have this opportunity everyday at work, school or the neighborhood grocery store. If we are actually out in the world but not of the world, people will notice. By being in the world, I mean interacting with the people around us, not just wearing a Christian T-shirt or displaying a Christian sticker on our car. Based on your comment, I think that you already get this. Thank you for asking for clarification.
Mordecai, Thank you for your comments and your concern. I am with you brother! I believe 100% that there is only one way to the Father and that the message of the gospel is repentance, forgiveness and faith in Christ. I am not a supporter of indifference and apathy. What I believe is that every person should be treated with respect and honor. In the same way that you would be offended if a Muslim person was pushing their belief on you, other people are offended when Christians try to push their belief on them. I’m not saying that the gospel of Jesus won’t be offensive to some, but we shouldn’t be offensive in our presentation of the gospel. Yes, there is only one way, but we can’t force anyone to believe that, and it’s not our responsibility. The Holy Spirit will be the one changing hearts, not you and me. I also want to clarify that I am in no way against teaching pastors. I am grateful for good Bible teaching. I was just saying that preaching is not my gift or calling. I thank God for good Bible teaching! As far as the bullhorn goes, I’m not a big fan of that sort of evangelism. I do appreciate your feedback.
Brad, thank you for your encouragement and thank you for your prayers! Colossians 4:3-4 is a passage that I pray and that I have asked other to pray for me as I travel. You are absolutely right that when we share the whole gospel with people, some are likely to have a negative reaction. The Bible tells us that they would. That’s gives us even more reason to be gentle and loving with them instead of combative. I am convinced that no one will be force fed Jesus, but they may accept a loving and honest invitation to follow Him.
Neil, thank you for your interaction. As a follower of Jesus, I purpose to live a life of love, gentleness and respect towards others. Jesus said that the two greatest commands are to love God with all of my heart and to love my neighbor as myself. I don’t expect anyone who is not a follower of Jesus to live according to his commands. I’m not surprised or concerned by the statement that Islam has a negative view of gentleness and respect.
Steve, thank you for your encouragement. And thank you for clarifying that my remark about preaching was simply to say that it is not my calling. We are all unique (but equally important) parts of the body of Christ. We have to have each other to function as a the church. I am so thankful that there are other parts of the body, because I’m pretty sure that I’m like a toenail or something and I wouldn’t be worth a lot by myself
My response ran over the 5000 word limit, so it’s continued on the next message.
Continued . . .
John, Thank you. I did not intend to set conversion and discipleship in opposition. I agree 100% with you. Clearly, you can not have discipleship without a conversion. What I meant by statement was that converting someone is not the end of the story. I think we have all seen the sort of evangelism that is concerned with getting someone to recite a prayer, so that we can call them converted. A conversion is actually a change of the heart, not a recitation of a prayer. I don’t believe that the great commission is satisfied by the reciting of a prayer. Jesus didn’t ask His disciples just to believe in Him and them bid them good day. He asked them to follow Him, day in and day out for the next three years (and for the rest of their lives). That discipleship and day to day relationship is what really changed the lives of those men. And yes, it did begin with their belief that He was the Messiah and their initial commitment to follow Him. That was the conversion. Thank you again for setting that straight.
Dennis, I’m glad that you too have had experiences of loving relationships of mutual respect with people who believe contrary to you. I made a sticker years ago that I give away when I travel that says “You are beautiful because you are made in the image of God”. I give those to anyone who wants them, because it’s true. Someone doesn’t have to have received Jesus to be made in the image of God. Everyone on the planet has been made in His image and is beautiful because of it. Getting to know the beauty within someone really allows us to love them more like Jesus does and gives us more of a desire to introduce them to Jesus. Some of the most beautiful people that I have known do not yet know Jesus, but I sure hope that I see the day when they do! As far as your disagreement with Steve R. I would suggest that you two don’t actually disagree, but that you just chose different wording for what you know to be true. I don’t want to speak for him, that’s just my take on it.
Thank you all so much for your response. I’d love to have more conversation if you have more questions or comments. God bless you!
Grace and Peace, Beau