Sharing Is Not Optional

When asked which commandment is the greatest, Jesus gave “Loving God” and “Loving Our Neighbors As Ourselves” equal status, explaining that when we uphold these two commandments, we’ll uphold all the commandments.

Here’s how it works: When we love our neighbors (everyone who comes under our influence) as ourselves, we’re every bit as concerned for their Salvation as we are for own. When their Salvation truly becomes our highest priority, we become sensitive to the fact that every aspect of our lives plays a critical role in leading them to Jesus. Our testimony is only as strong as our weakest trait. This takes us to where living our lives according to the Law (all of the Ten Commandments) becomes an automatic by-product of sharing our faith, and the furthest thing from legalism.

In addition to being commanded, all of us have been commissioned to share our faith. The Great Commission doesn’t say, “Go ye, those who are gifted or in pastoral ministry, into the world and preach the Gospel.” The Great Commission was given to everyone — especially laypeople. For the most part, our pastors go into our churches. But those of us who are laypeople are the ones going into the world, surrounded by people who are lost, and if we don’t tell them, who will? Above everything else, this is God’s Purpose for your life.

You’re also called to be Christ’s Ambassador. Ambassadors are held responsible for honoring the highest ideals of their leader and their country in every situation, 24 hours a day, even when they’re doing something as casual as eating a meal or attending a sporting event. So it is with every Christian. As Christ’s Ambassador, God holds you responsible for honoring Him in every situation, 24 hours a day. The consistency of your walk and the words of your mouth should always be moving people closer to Jesus, regardless of the circumstances.

Then there’s your calling to be the “Salt of the Earth” and the “Light of the World.” The common thread between these two is that they both change their environment. So here’s your self test: Are you changing your environment or is it changing you? Are you part of the problem or part of the solution? Are you letting your light shine or have you turned it off?