Preach the Gospel at all times.
When necessary, use words.
-St. Francis of Assisi-
We have all heard this, at least I think almost everyone who has been a believer for very long has. This quote has come under fire by many people, caused so much controversy as to what this means and how it can be lived out or if it utter nonsense.
The truth is, there are a lot of layers to unpack to this statement. It may need to be seen through a different lens if you're dealing with a family member, of a coworker, or a stranger. So to start with I want to make something abundantly clear, as a believer we are commanded to use words. To speak to those around us and profess the Messiah. To tell others why we believe what we believe and who it is who saved us from our sin. In no way, shape or form, is what I write to follow in contradiction to that, but in supplement to it. These conversations are how people hear the Gospel, how their hearts are opened to it, and the most prevalent tool the Holy Spirit uses to convict.
But I don't think Assisi meant his quote to mean we don't speak as often as we should on the issue, but that words are the secondary part. We have also heard another infamous statement, actions speak louder than words. What is it our actions are saying? Is what our actions say in conflict with what our words are saying? Can our actions show the gospel?
Are we shouting the Gospel on the street corner, going home and gossiping with our friends? What message does that tell our friend of the Gospel we are sharing? Are we cutting off the person in the other lane while our car shows a 'Jesus fish'? What message did that just give that person about Christians?
Y'shua, Jesus, told us directly in John 14:15, "if you love me, you will keep my commandments." Think about that for a moment, let it sink in.
If we love him, Then we will do so something.
If we love him, our actions will show it.
Those actions provide the first impression people will have of us, and, by defacto, then of Him.
I am a firm believer that the little things are what stand out the most. By making a habit of little things we can show God's love through our actions, and make others more open to discussing Him with us.
With our family this can be the most difficult. They see us at our worst and are often the most critical. But do they also see us repent? Admit when we are wrong? See us striving to do better? See us placing an emphasis on God Almighty in time and prayer? Or are they seeing us fill our minds and time with things of the world like shows which blaspheme Him or are full of sin and smut as entertainment?
With our friends we seem to relax the most, and what rhythm does that fall into? Are we seeking entertainment together that honours Him? Could we be striving to encourage them to worship Adonai? Are we easily slipping into using foul language, gossip and slander (Lashon Hara, the evil tongue), getting drunk or otherwise using sinful versions of entertainment? To put it another way, are we striving to not undermine the gospel's message to them by acting in a way that opposes the Spirit?
Thus we look to the two way that we can preach the gospel without words. In our deeds and our actions. Our lives should strive to Honour Him, to show His love.
The first of these ways is how we look. Could a stranger tell we are people who worship the Living God? As a Messianic, headcovering, woman I have a slight... edge?... in this department. I very easily stand out in a crowd as a woman of a faith - although of course the specifics of that faith are often unknown to the eye. From my head coverings, to my tzitzit (Those little tassels found in Numbers 15), there are things visibly different that encourage people to ask me questions. By having them ask the question I find they are far more inclined to listen to what the answer is, opening ears that otherwise may not listen to a religious message.
In our post-christian western culture this gets all the more tricky. Unbelievers have all heard at least Something about Jesus. They think they know who he is, what the message of the believers is, and have already built a wall around themselves to that message. Certain physical symbols then do speak, but perhaps not how we want them too. People see a cross necklace and may shrug it off as meaningless and family culture. They could see a shirt with a Christian message and mentally blockade the person as 'one of those religious freaks'. Both way are excellent for those who want to ask, but they may not be as immediately effective as something which is more unknown. People are curious about what they don't understand. Why not try to bring back those old pony bead bracelets with the different colours that told the message. Red for the blood, white for being washed clean, etc. The point of the issue is this, can we stand out. Can we be approachable?
This extends beyond our immediate appearance as well. We can do things like have a message on our car to show the gospel to others. We can have things in our home for people who come by to see that we have faith and they can ask.
Then we can begin to think about our actions. Not only on the side of are we under*mining* the gospel, but are we under*lining* the gospel. Are our actions showing that gospel to others as well? This can be as simple as volunteering, sharing your time. Giving blessing bags to the homeless with a bible inside. Being hard workers.
As followers of the Messiah, His Word is our ultimate authority; so we must always turn to it for the final say so on any subject that touches our lives. While it may not be direct on every subject, for dealing with the lives of believers it is shockingly to the point. We have already touched on how we are commanded to keep the commandments, and while you and I may disagree on what those are exactly we both agree that we are called to obedience of scripture and to God - to not sin. So let us then look to scripture which goes beyond sin in the life of a believer.
Colossians 3:7-8, True enough, you used to practice these things in the life you once lived; but not put them all away - anger, exasperation, meanness, slander and obscene talk.
James 1:22, Don't deceive yourselves by only hearing what the Word days, but do it!
Ephesians 4:1-3, Therefor I, the prisoner united with the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Always be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one anothe rin love, and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of Shalom.
Ephesians 4:32, Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted; and forgive each other, just as the Messiah God has also forgiven you.
Hebrews 13:5, Keep your lives free from the love of money; and be satisfied with what you have;l for God himself has said, "I will never leave you or abandon you."
Phillippians 4:8, In conclusion, brothers, focus your thoughts on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable or admirable, on some virtue or on something praiseworthy.
The end goal, after all, is this - that our lives should be a reflection of the Messiah's. That our lives should reflect His work in us. For A person who claims o be continuing in union with him ought to conduct his life the way he did. 1 John 2:6
So clearly our actions hold a vital role and impact on the words we speak, but the argument then becomes about how our actions can be a part of the gospel message specifically. Well, some examples may be by volunteering with a christian organization which shows the focus to His message, or when we are visibly marked out as different and then our actions reflect his love or peace. We can even turn to scripture for the ultimate in statements that support Assisi's quote - a direct statement of the Word. 1 Peter 3:1, In the same way, wives, submit to your husbands; so that even if some of them do not believe in the Word, they will be won over by your conduct, without you saying anything. How can that be argued with that there is then the obvious possibility to preach the gospel without speaking the words?
It is difficult, living a life for His glory is going to be difficult. From the smaller parts of life to the lager parts. But we should always be thinking about what we are doing, how we are being perceived, what is our attitude, etc. Only then can our actions be as consistent as possible with the message we are presenting when we spread the Good News. Only then can we present a message that makes people want to initiate the conversation and ask, being ready to hear the answers we give them.
May we all continue to be striving to show our love for the Messiah, to show his love to others, and to walk as He walked. May we all continue to be Bereans and to study His Word so we know what that looks like and it may guide our steps as a lamp unto our feet. Be blessed, Shalom.
- This message was prepared for Theist Thug Life by MessiMama. Also known as Niesa of Messianic Mama, which can be found at messianic-mama.blogspot.com and on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Patreon as Messianic Mama.