Let's Get Over Our Embarrassment
The No. 1 barrier to proclaiming the Good News is in our own minds. It’s our own Christian embarrassment about Jesus.
We are so quick to make assumptions. We think we know what the other person is thinking.
We construct elaborate apologetics in our head, all based on what they might feel, words they might say, how they might react. We argue on their behalf against us, thinking they’ll dismiss us as an extremist, or fundamentalist, or whatever. Come on!
We don’t know our own minds most of the time, let alone someone else’s. These made-up arguments in our heads about all the reasons why the other person is uninterested or will reject us or do something else only paralyze us.
It’s silly. And it’s because, deep down, we are embarrassed to talk about Jesus. I say “we” because I sometimes struggle with this in my own day-to-day witnessing. I still get butterflies sharing the Good News with someone I know. Or a new acquaintance.
How much better to heed the example of the apostle Paul. He called himself “God’s ambassador.”
Nonetheless, Paul requested of the Christians in Ephesus: “Pray for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the Gospel (Ephesians 6:19). Let’s do the same.
“These made-up arguments in our heads about all the reasons why the other person is uninterested or will reject us or do something else only paralyze us.”
Ephesians 6:19
“And pray for me, too. Ask God to give me the right words so I can boldly explain God's mysterious plan that the Good News is for Jews and Gentiles alike.”