Assumption: The Enemy of Evangelism
But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 (ESV)
As human beings, we tend to assume way too much today. Even though our suppositions have gotten us into trouble before, we continue to do it. We accept something as the truth without proof or evidence to back it up.
How many people in your community have heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Have they heard it face-to-face from someone or when scrolling on TV? Have they seen it in action?
In this day of modern technology, where the world is instantly connected, one would think that everyone with listening ears has heard about Jesus. This, dear friends, is a conjecture.
Assumption is the enemy of evangelism. Even though some may say they have heard about Jesus or put up a hand to stop you, does not mean they don’t need Him. But we lose our confidence when we feel rejected or censored. What happens next? Do we hang our heads and spiritually limp away?
We are to share God’s goodness with others. Invite them to join us in our faith walk. It’s not just about what we say but more about what we do. Is it possible for our actions to turn people away from Jesus? Yes, of course it is! In one hand, we carry our Bible and wear the jewelry, and in the other hand we hold a beating stick.
With evangelism, there are times which call for a gentle approach and there are other situations that need a soap-box method. People will listen politely and then excuse themselves. We should not believe that being polite means they believe for that would be a grave assumption. In the same way, just know that bumper stickers, jewelry, and T-shirts do not always indicate any relationship with our heavenly Father. It is easy to say and do Christ-like things and not have a clue about the real Jesus.
Look around your community and you will see that there is still plenty of work to be done. “…lift up your eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest (John 4:35, ESV).”
We are fooling ourselves, just as our enemy desires, if we believe the notion that everyone has heard the truth about Jesus Christ.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,... (Romans 1:13, ESV)
Father God, thank You for completely knowing us and not assuming. Help us to share Your glory with others. AMEN.