The Real Question
May 5, 2008 by Jonathan Brink
One of the assumptions we make is that our relationships are defined by beliefs. And this is true to an extent. Much of the tension we experience in relationships is the idea that we must share the Gospel, which over time has been narrowly defined by a single moment of acceptance of faith in Jesus that secures their eternal salvation. And so when we meet someone new, we encounter moments that offer us an opportunity to share the Gospel.
I meet so many people who have such a sense of shame around these brief moments. “I didn’t share the Gospel with them. I’m not living my faith.” As though our relationships becomes defined by this ticket punch.
Much of the tension exists in the assumption that the person we encounter has little or even no knowledge of Jesus. But if we listen, we will likely find this is not true. Most people are aware of who Jesus is. Even in Jewish, Islamic, and Buddhist cultures, Jesus is revered for being an Avatar or prophet. Some might even have an deep understanding of the Gospel.
And even when we share the Gospel story, we’re left with the real question. If this person says, “No,” for whatever reason, will we still choose to love them? Will we still share the Gospel with them? Will we still be love, which is the fullest reflection of Jesus and the call to mission? Or, will will simply treat the person as a transaction that is defined by our duty to get them into heaven? Because real evangelism happens after they say no.
In a postmodern world, they will likely say no until they see the reality of the Gospel in our lives. They are likely reject the Gospel because they want to see if it is “true” in our lives. We can’t hide behind a plastic, intellectual faith that ceases to produce fruit. We must share the Gospel by suffering with them, sharing in their pain, and brokenness. And this is only possible in love.
“In a postmodern world, they will likely say no until they see the reality of the Gospel in our lives.”
Amen. And this keeps taking me back to what St. Francis said, which seems precisely on point here.
“Go and preach the gospel by all means possible. And if it is really necessary, you can even use words.”
Grace and Peace,
Raffi
Raffi, love that saying.
What if we had the foreknowledge that not only would they say no, but that they would NEVER say YES? Would we still love them? Even more important, would we still remain in relationship with them? Be their friend? Stick by them? Or would we abandon them for a more “successful” project?
Perhaps real evangelism stems from the place of no expectation.
Nice J.
Jonathan,
Found your blog through my new friend, Jeromy.
You raise an interesting issue that I have found to be a point of contention between well meaning Christains on one side and, um, well meaning Christians on the other. I am discovering more and more (or becoming increasingly convinced) that our differences lie in how we view what was actually done by Christ on the cross. One side says stuff was made possible and therefore it is encumbent upon us all to get the word out or else everyone is going to miss out big time (burn baby burn) OR, stuff was made obsolete and defeated and therefore, it is encumbent upon us to go out and share the good news that “you don’t have to live like this….therefore, repent.”
I’m in the midst of an interesting conversation on this very topic here: http://www.alittleleaven.com/2008/04/rob-bells-comme.html?cid=113531398#comments
It is over Rob Bell and his presence at the Seeds of Compassion event and one side saying Rob failed to be a Christian witness because he didn’t proclaim the gospel as some would have done and others (like myself) saying that he did not only that but even more. If nothing else that site is worth checking out because it has some video clips of the questions and answers by the panel that I had not seen.
Good to meet you - great site!
peace,
Chad
Chad, glad to have you here. I saw the Rob Bell stuff and read through that site. There will always be those who like to throw stones.
[...] Jonathan said, “And even when we share the Gospel story, we’re left with the real question. If this person says, “No,” for whatever reason, will we still choose to love them? Will we still share the Gospel with them? Will we still be love, which is the fullest reflection of Jesus and the call to mission? Or, will will simply treat the person as a transaction that is defined by our duty to get them into heaven? Because real evangelism happens after they say no.“ [...]