This post is brought about by reading this. This is not intended as an interaction with that post. That post merely started the wheels turning in my mind. First, let me say that I believe the most important duty for a Christian is to evangelize, to make other Christians. But this post is not even about that command or necessity. This post is about answering the question, "What is the most loving thing to do?" This answer would be the same whether you are a Christian or a Jehovah's Witness, or a Mormon or a Wiccan.
Now, to my point.
The fact is, if I deeply hold a belief that is so important as Christian faith, then I am obligated to share it with those whom I love. I might add here that it is even more important than just life after death. Faith in Christ and His sacrifice for my sins gives me peace and purpose in this life, as well as a certainty about my future in heaven. If I knew where people could obtain a million dollars with no strings attached, I would certainly tell my loved ones how to do that. Why? Because I love them and it could make their lives better.
I don't really want to be the five millionth blog to post the Penn Jillette video, (click here to see it) but in fact Penn, an atheist, understands the necessity of evangelism better than many of the Christians I know.
Why is it that so many Christians don't share their faith? I believe that it is a combination of things. First, I think that many of us don't really think about the gift of salvation as we did when it was new. Next, I think we don't live with urgency, understanding that life could be over for any of us very soon. Finally, I think that many of us are so worldly that our thinking is warped. Survey after survey shows that Christian church-goers deny the truths of the faith. Not because they don't believe them, but because of the illogical notion that there is no such thing as religious truth. This post is not about apologetics but I will say this. If there is any such thing as truth at all, then there is religious truth. (Everybody believes in truth and they certainly want a banker who believes in truth.)
Another symptom of this worldliness is that we are worried about offending people to whom we witness. I understand their view, if there is no such thing as religious truth then how dare I hold my view as certain. Again, I'll say this, if I'm not certain, then why bother?
After saying this let's look at my hypocrisy meter. Do I get annoyed when the Mormons or Jehovah's witnesses come knocking at my door? Sure, but I am not offended, and I always pray for them when they leave and I understand why they are there. I believe that they have a message that is false and ultimately hopeless, but they believe it deeply and are right to share it.
Any religion worth having is worth sharing. Share Christ with someone this week.