The Great Commision- What is holding us back?

As a followup to my blog post last night about the great commision, I realized that simply telling people about what Jesus said to do and leaving it at that won't necessarily make people go out and do it. Sometimes, people are aprehensive about sharing. Some reasons as to why people may still hold back when it comes to sharing the gospel are fear, doubt, nervousness, a feeling of "I'm not good enough," a mindset of "evangelizing isn't really for me," or may a feeling of not knowing the bible "well enough." These things can hold any of us back, but only if we let them.

1. Fear, doubt and nervousness-
When people have a sense of fear when it comes to sharing the gospel, it may be a fear of a few different things. Some common fears when it comes to sharing the gospel could be a fear of what exactly to say or a fear of being judged. If you want to share the gospel and evangelize but are afraid to for whatever reason, that is perfectly understandable. We are human, we are all gonig to be fearful or anxious at some point. But we cannot let our fear hold us back from doing God's will. If you are afraid of sharing the gospel because you are afraid of what to say or how to say it, think about what settings make you most comfortable. Are you good at talking to a large group of people at one time, or are you better at talking one on one with a friend? Whatever makes you more comfortable, go with it! Being in your "comfort zone" will just help your words come easier. If you are fearful about sharing because of a fear of being judged, God gives us words of comfort.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." ~Joshua 1:9

"When I am afraid, I will trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" ~Psalm 56:3-4

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." ~Deuteronomy 31:6

"If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you." ~1 Peter 4:14

There are countless other passages and verses throughout the bible that talk about God always being with us. Even when we feel lost, alone, anxious or afraid, God is always with us, and can give us the courage to share. If we are afraid of being judged, don't be because God is the one and only true judge.

"There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you- who are you to judge your neighbor?" ~James 4:12

2. "I'm not good enough" and "evangelizing isn't really for me"-
Some people might be hesistant to share the gospel because they may feel it isn't their place to do so. They might think only certain people like pastors or tv evangelists are the people that are supposed to share it. This thinking and mindset can cause people to keep quiet and not share, which is exactly what satan wants. Satan doeesn't want the good news of the gospel told! Satan is what causes you to feel not good enough. Well, the truth of it all is that sharing the gospel isn't for a special select group of people to do, it's for everyone!

He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." ~Mark 16:15

There is not a single person living on this earth that isn't meant to hear the gospel. If we have accepted Jesus as our Savior and have the gospel message, it is then our job to share it with EVERYONE! Share with parents, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins, friends, co-workers, classmates, strangers, teachers, neighbors, everyone! Not a single person is to be left out. And sometimes it can be hard to just go up to someone, whether it be someone we are close with or a stranger and just start spouting off bible verses and sharing the gospel or our personal testimony. Sometimes people can come to Christ by asking us about it. Sometimes the best way to get started in sharing the gospel is simply by living a Christian life that sets us apart from others. Someone may ask you "What is it that has you so happy? Why do you seem different from everybody else?" and that can lead to sharing about having Christ in your life.

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give reason for the hope that you have." ~1 Peter 3:15a, 15b

3. "I don't know the bible well enough"-
I honestly think that no one can ever know the bible "well enough." People can read the bible numerous times and still learn new things about God. No one can "master" the bible. And honestly, you don't need to have read the whole bible or understand it all to be able to share the gospel. There is A LOT of the bible I have never read and there are some passages that I don't understand, but I have heard and understood the gospel message, and because I get it, I can and have shared it.

"For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." ~Romans 3:23

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." ~Romans 5:8

"For God so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." ~John 3:16

"He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." ~Titus 3:5-7

Bottom line, if you have accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and understand the gospel message, share your story! No matter how you do it or what your approach is, there is no "right" way to evangelize. Pray about it if you have doubts or fears. God will be with you and help your words flow easier. No matter what your story is about how you came to faith in Christ, it's because someone reached out to you, and someone reached out to them, and it keeps going. It all started 2000 years ago with Jesus, and generations later, it got to us. We have to keep that chain going because that's what Jesus commanded us to do.