I'm a bit ashamed to admit that I'm scared because in my mind, that means I am betraying Jesus somehow. If I really believe what I say I believe, shouldn't I be shouting the gospel from rooftops? I remind myself of the the verse, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Rom. 8:31). But I'm still timid. What if I get rejected? Yelled at?
I recently came to a realization that has helped me in this regard.
It came in the form of a story from the comedian Steve Martin. Perhaps you've heard it.
Charlie Rose once asked Steve his advice for those trying to make it in show business. Mr. Martin responded with a phrase that I've never forgotten: "Be so good they can't ignore you."
It seems so simple, so obvious right? But if his advice is simple and obvious, there's one thing it's not: easy. In those seven words is packed hard work, practice, study, failure, perseverance, and faith.
Similarly this advice applies to the Christian life, but with a tweak. We should be so good that they can't ignore Him. When others see our lives, they should be unable to ignore our awesomeness.
Please don't confuse this with pride. It is possible to be both awesome and humble at the same time. Look at Moses, Joseph, and Daniel. They simply deflected their awesomeness onto the Creator. This is how we can glorify God.
Now there are two things I want you to note:
First, don't get hung up on the word "good". I'm not talking about earning our salvation by works. No one is good but God alone (Mar. 10:18). What I mean is that we live such stellar lives that people can't help but think, That gal's got it going on.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Colossians 3:23
Second, this is not an excuse never to invite people to church or never to tell them about Jesus. But if you live a life of integrity, passion, and general bad-assery, people will have questions. And when they come to you, that's when you must be prepared to tell them about Jesus. We should still be proactive about seeking out the lost, but if you always have a bad attitude, cheat on your taxes, or gossip about co-workers what kind of witness do you think you will have?
Don't think you have to be perfect to be a witness. If you do, you'll be waiting a long time. But you do have to try to be awesome; don't settle for average. God's given you some awesome talents (1 Cor. 7:7). Why not use them for Him? And as for your weaknesses? Those are there to remind you how much you need God.
Just like a successful career in comedy, becoming stellar for Christ takes time. You must let the Holy Spirit work on you from the inside out. You must be committed, and you must persevere.
Jesus said this: "You are the light of the world. . . let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" (Mat. 5:14, 16).
So this is my advice for those of you who really want to reach the lost for Christ:
Be so good they can't ignore Him.
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