Titus 2:6-8
6 Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded, 7 in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.
9 Exhort bondservants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all things, not answering back, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.
Is there someone in your place of business who people turn to when they are in need? What is it about that person that draws others to them? Do you want to be that kind of person? If you are kind and helpful to all people, what kind of reputation will you develop?
“Preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ every day and, if you have to, use words” was attributed to St Francis of Assisi though there are questions about his authorship. The point is to walk the walk before talking the talk. When I started in Youth Ministry, the Church Pastor complained that Youth Group was not Christ centered enough and we needed to do things differently. My response to him (looking back now, my arrogant response to him) was that he was welcome to show up any Sunday evening and lead. Many organizations who want to evangelize come on too strong. They are like street evangelists preaching the end is near! Isn’t it better to set an example of how to live and have people ask you questions about why you do what you do? There seems to be a strong argument that we need to “preach” the Gospel which involves speaking. I am suggesting we begin by living the Gospel which will get us an audience who will listen. As you know, I am not afraid to preach the Gospel if you have been reading the devotionals.
Our son Clayton came to us when he was 12 years old. As a Foster and now Adoptive parent, I thought he needed to hear that I love him and I am not shy about sharing that sentiment. It wasn’t getting the desired results. In the beginning, there was no response. Later on, there was skepticism. I was bewildered. I came from a loving, affectionate home. It took years for things to come around but I learned valuable lessons from him. Many people had told him they loved him and then abused him. I was the first who said it and then set that example. I built on the promise of that “love” word. I had to earn his trust. I had to build and prove a good reputation. Jean and I have done that now but it took a long time.
Romans 10:17 (NIV) says17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. I fully understand that the Word of God must be preached but it is important to gather an audience and get them to believe you. To do that, it is best to set an example of the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22). If you live your life in the Spirit, you will set an example that people will admire and want to follow. Then, you have earned the right to give an explanation of the faith you have in Christ. People don’t care how much (or what) you know until they know how much you care.
Preach W.O.W ( with out words) today! Show them you care. Be patient as our world is cynical and skeptical. Do it long enough and you will find the toughest curmudgeon will come around. I have done it! Ask God for patience because you will need it. Be bold for the Lord and He will be your shield! You will bring Him glory in this endeavor.
Lord, thank You that You have trusted us with the Gospel. You did not give it to us to hold for safe keeping. You gave it to us to share. Please, as You brought the animals to Noah, so bring us people who want to hear and learn about You. Thank you for the honor of preaching the Gospel even W.O.W! Amen!