Be a Disciple

Evangelization is a sharing of the “Good News” with our fellow human beings. It is recognizing that God came to earth, taking on human flesh so as to take our sins upon His back and lead us to Himself. When we realize all that this entails, we want to share it with others.

What evangelization is not is proselytism (an attempt to convert people from one Christian tradition to another). It has absolutely nothing to do with coercion or lack of respect for the freedom of others. Only God’s grace can effect a conversion. And yet, many of us are afraid to evangelize for fear that we will be seen as proselytizing, forcing our beliefs on another against their will. This view of heavy-handedness is the opposite of what inspires true evangelization.

One way to remove the fear of evangelization is to think of life as a vast ocean. Humanity must cross this ocean. Jesus Christ has left us with the message that what we seek lies across this ocean and He has given us a map and blueprints (Scripture and Tradition) on how to build a ship (the Church) that will carry us safely to our destination.

As we sail toward our goal, we see other boats, some of which were built by former fellow seafarers from our own ship who thought they could build a better craft or had a more accurate map. We see other boats of very foreign designs, sometimes even going in the opposite direction. When storms come, as they always do in life, we take refuge in knowing that though our boat is not perfect, we have tried to shape it as accurately as we could to what the Designer wanted. Our hearts are moved to see our fellow men being tossed about in the tumult, and want to share our security and accurate map by inviting them aboard.

We are not forcing them aboard; we are sharing the gift of direct passage, the safest, and the surest way to our destiny.

This week’s Evangelism Challenge

Talk the talk – Begin introducing God into your daily conversations.

“God bless you”,

“Praise the Lord”,

“I’ll say a prayer that turns out well for you”,

“I am so sorry to hear that. I will pray for him/her”.

 What Does the Bible Say?

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am; send me!’”

– Isaiah 6:8

“…Always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;  and keep your conscience clear, so that, when you are abused, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.”

– 1 Timothy 3:15-16

“Do not be afraid. Go on speaking, and do not be silent.”

– Acts 18:9