Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. (Ephesians 6:19-20, NIV)
Go for broke!
That is the prevailing school of thought in golf these days, especially on par 5s. Hit it as far as you can; get your second as close to the green as possible.
I’m not a subscriber to this strategy, however. Perhaps you can relate to my mindset, as I now hope I don’t hit a good drive on par 5s, so I’m not tempted to go for the green in two.
Why? I don’t hit my 3-wood well and end up with a box (or two!) more often than a circle when I get aggressive. I have the distance to reach some par 5s, but I am better served to play to the strength of my wedge game.
The same concept applies to evangelism. Some are more comfortable going ‘full send’ while others prefer a more conservative approach. While we can choose how we share, we don’t get to decide whether or not to do so.
Before Jesus ascended to heaven, he left his disciples with the Great Commission: “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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). One of those ‘commands’ is that we tell people about him.
We preach the gospel to ourselves, our fellow believers, and those who have yet to “repent and believe.” One obstacle that often confronts us when sharing the faith with this latter group is this—many people don’t think they need a Savior. Why? They have deceived themselves into thinking they are righteous.
Jesus explained it this way to the Pharisees, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Matthew 13:12-13). He was more direct with Zacchaeus, “The Son of Man came to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
Surely you can think of someone (or many) at your club who is lost, sick, and broken. Have you thought about sharing your faith with that person?
Peter advised, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
If it doesn’t come naturally to you, one way to prepare is to role-play with others in your Links Fellowship. Not only will you gain comfort through reps, but you’ll also likely get sound advice from your playing partners in these ‘practice rounds.’
That should help settle the nerves when you step up to the proverbial first tee and share your hope with those who need it. Praying today’s verse won’t hurt either. How awesome would it be to declare the mystery of the gospel fearlessly, as we should?
We aren’t put on earth to lay up. Let’s go for broke.
Prayer: Lord, give us the confidence and the words to fearlessly make the mystery of your Gospel known, as we should.