VIEW CHRIST-LIKE EVANGELISM
A Wholistic View of Christ-Like Evangelism
“I don’t think we’re telling people they’re going to Hell enough!” This was a comment I got in a class I was teaching that I truly struggled to respond to. Not because it was a complex idea. Not because it is technically difficult to articulate the response, or even if the comment is necessarily wrong. It was difficult to address because of the attitude in which it was presented. Jesus says in Matthew 10:16 “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore, be wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (NKJV). This is a verse we normally gloss over in the account of Jesus sending out the twelve, but I personally believe this verse sets one of the best precedents we have for addressing others.
First, “Be wise as serpents”; we need to be thoughtful, cunning even, in our approach. If our goal is to bring as many people as possible to Christ, we cannot do that effectively without a plan. You must be intentional in your life about how you present Christ. Secondly, be “harmless as doves”. Snakes are cunning, but nobody likes them. We are not self-interested in our approach to people. We are advocates for a loving God looking to build a relationship with His people. Love and compassion are what builds those relationships. People tend to do very well at both of these. Some people do very well with knowing what people need to be taught and have a plan to teach them. Others do very well with showing love and compassion and building relationships easily. If we want to be truly effective, however, we have to work these two together.
To those who think we need to “tell ‘em they’re goin’ to Hell!”:
Tough love is just cruelty if they don’t know you love them. We are “fishers of men”, we put bait in front of fish because we understand that the fish are not just going to bite the hook for the fun of it. We must make ourselves approachable. Just because what you are saying is true does not make it the best approach. It doesn’t matter if the message is true if the method of presenting it is poor. Nuclear energy is statistically the safest and most efficient way to power infrastructure, but bad press and negligent management leaves the impression of it turning the water green. Paul and Timothy say to “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (Colossians 4:6). We have the greatest message of love and mercy ever put in words. Present it as such.
To those who believe your job is solely to “show the love of God”:
Love is not just kindness. Relationships require action and rules to be followed. If a mother loves her children, she raises them to behave, not simply showing them kindness in every area. Being kind to your fellow man is commendable; but if you LOVE them, you will inform them of the danger they are in. Do not use the command for compassion as an excuse for complacency. Everyone wants to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant” but consider your own efforts when you read that parable in Matthew 25:14-30. Is your work for God at the forefront or on the backburner?
2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Both extremes come from a scriptural place. Yes, we must be wise as serpents. Yes, we must be harmless as doves. These two work in tandem, and pursuing it may not be natural or comfortable. But God demonstrates it as the most effective approach. Pursue both sides of this verse. Pursue being well-rounded. Pursue being complete.
Josh Miller