"People aren't confused by the Gospel. They're confused by us. Jesus is the only way to God, but we are not the only way to Jesus. This world doesn't need my tie, my hoodie, my denomination or my translation of the Bible. They just need Jesus. We can be passionate about we believe, but we can't strap ourselves to the Gospel, 'cuz we're slowing it down. Jesus is going to save the world, but maybe, the best thing we can do, is just get out of the way." - Casting Crowns, What the World Needs
I love Casting Crowns. Their songs are powerful and they speak truth to my soul. Even this one, which tells of the world's need for a loving Father, a rescuing Savior, and a leading Spirit, is no exception. But then come this interlude, spoken in sections by teenagers. And my spirit rebels against what they say.
It's true that the world doesn't need our possessions, denominations, or interpretations. But if we just stop witnessing and decide not to obey our commands to be salt and light, how else will the world find Jesus? Yes, God is all-powerful. He could very easily save the world without any help from us. But I don't think that's His plan. Because what, then, would be the reason behind the Great Commission?
How can we be slowing the Gospel down if we are fulfilling the purpose we have been chosen for? If every single Christian on the planet suddenly stopped evangelizing, if missionaries stopped going out, if we stopped trying to invite people to church, what would happen? If we got out of the way, would the Gospel reach more people on its own, without any human interference? Are we in the way at all?
Most of these questions are rhetorical. I don't know that anyone could answer them, because we don't know what would happen if we forsook our calling. And I pray we never find out.
God calls people to be witnesses, evangelists, missionaries. Who are we to decide that it would be better if we didn't do what God has ordained for us to do? Who are we serving then? It's not the lost people of this world, to be sure.
I will be the first to admit that I'm not a very passionate evangelist. I'm slightly terrified by the thought of approaching a stranger, or even a neighbor, and sharing my faith. But the idea of ceased evangelism appalls me.
I'm more or less fixed in my viewpoints and opinions, but I'd love to hear your thoughts.
4 comments:
Hmmmm, good point. Like someone once said, "The Church is messy and inefficient...but it's God's mess."
Hmm, A very fascinating post indeed. And I agree with you in every way.
I know that you believe and as you even said in the post, God does miracles in people's lives and He saves them. But you are right, it has only been a few times in history where God has just opened people's eyes without out side influence. But should we have no faith for this? Not a chance! And I know you believe this way.
Sometimes when I or people I know are trying to evangelize and no fruit is coming out ( I heard this from some pastor) I say, "Well, not everyone has been blinded by God. In order that they may see." Which is Paul's case. Well, I should probably look over this to make sure it is all biblically correct (my comment I mean) and that grammar is correct, but I don't have the time. hahahaaa, so thanks again, dude, for another awesome post.
ok so this "why dont we just get out of the way?" i think is valid but misunderstood question. i dont think that casting crowns poses this question to suggest that people should stop evangilism. i see it personally more as an attempt to purify the action. seriously, i dont think that people realize how much of a stumbling block they have created by picking quarrels over the minute aspects of doctrine and splitting hairs and whole congregations over irrelevant issues. i can only imagine how an outsider would see the church, much less an overly cynical and doubtful non-believer. that said, i believe that the only message we have authority to preach is the gospel, the good news that Jesus, God incarnate, loved us so eternally, completely and perfectly, that he came to dwell amoung man, suffer amoung man and die by the hands of man in order that we might be with God eternally, completely and perfectly covered by his shed blood. that message in itself is enough for anyone. screw doctrine outside of that. Paul calls "doctrine" or teaching ourside of the core message of the gospel "meat" which is for the mature in christ (but some meat is spoiled that we still attempt to digest). it is cruel and usally results in disaster if you try to shove meant down an infants throat, no? so as Gods appointed witnesses to His sovergin and perfect love, our mission is not to indoctrinate those we see as unbelievers, rather it is our life's mission to love them and show them the love of God through our actions and through the testimony of love in our own testimony and through the good news in His word...at least thats kinda what i think....so ....yeah...
I see what you're saying, and maybe that is their point, after listing all the material (dare I say it) crap that people get stuck on but is totally unnecessary. but to "get out of the way" is to passively relinquish our position because we're blocking the path of something else - in this case, the Gospel. which is much more powerful than we are, in and of itself, but we are called to be lights and salt to the world, to go out and preach the Gospel to all men. so unless they mean we should get out of the way of OURSELVES (i.e. irritation and obsession over minuscule [or not so minuscule] points in doctrine, material trappings, etc.) I don't agree with their suggestion.
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