The World's Greatest Crime

When you think of the title evangelist, who comes to mind? If you are like most, you picture a preacher standing behind a pulpit. Or maybe you envision someone holding a picket sign on a busy city sidewalk. You may think of young zealots knocking on your door with tracks and a bible in hand. But do you consider yourself an evangelist? If not, consider this:

Deliver those who are drawn toward death,

And hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.

If you say, “Surely we did not know this,”

Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it?

He who keeps your soul, does He not know it?

And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?

Proverbs 24:11

The responsibility of evangelism is entrusted to every believer. You included.

There is an urgency attached to the Gospel. When we stay quiet, we are like the one who doesn't “hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” Our silence is the greatest crime we could ever commit. And it’s one for which we will be held responsible.

There are unbelievers who may never hear the truth of Jesus Christ if you do not bring it to them. When you share the hope of Christ, invite someone to church, or tell them about your faith, you’re planting a seed in a moment that cannot be relived. God has placed you in that path for such a time as this and entrusted you with His hope, His word, and His story. You never know what will lie on the other side of your obedience. Where would you be today if someone had not shared His story with you?

We say we “follow” Jesus, but if we are not compelled to share His love—it is time to reevaluate what we truly believe.

When you walk into a crowded environment, do you hurt for those around you who may be stumbling toward a very real hell? Does it grip you, or do you simply pass the responsibility to those who work in vocational ministry? If you are not moved, it is time you revisit the Word of God. When Jesus resurrected from the dead, He instructed believers in their ultimate calling: To make disciples.

How many disciples have you made? When is the last time you led someone to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. It may seem intimidating; after all, what do you do if someone rejects you? Or worse yet, rejects God? You dust off your shoulders! It is not your responsibility to force someone into a relationship; that’s the job of the Holy Spirit. God will draw them. It is your job to plant seeds, even if they don’t appear fruitful. Obedience to share Christ’s love, death and resurrection is all God requires of us.

It may feel a bit out of your comfort zone, but this week, ask the Lord to reveal to you who needs to encounter His love. You may very well have unbelievers in your direct circle of influence. Start there.

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings good news,

who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness,

who publishes salvation,

who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

Isaiah 52:7

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