Lifestyle Evangelism

Recently through reading and preparing to preach a few different sermons, I've been struck again by the relationship between an ethical life and evangelism. Perhaps 'ethical' isn't the best word, but I don't have a better on at the moment. As we look at the Scripture, there is often a connection between Christian virtue and gospel opportunities. This was the Thessalonican situation. As this infant church endured persecution and maintained their Christian virtue - refusing the fight back and refusing to respond to difficulty in the typical and expected manner, it lead for an opportunity for the gospel to ring forth in the entire region (I Thess 1). Likewise Peter speaks often in I Peter about the necessity of maintaining proper conduct in the midst of difficulty so that non-beleivers see a difference. In this way, you demonstrate hope in difficulty which leads to an opportunity to 'provide a reason for this hope' (I Peter 3.15). Paul speaks of conducting ourselves with wisdom toward outsiders in Col 4.

Often we think of evangelism as knocking on doors, striking up a conversation at the coffee house or on an airplane - and these are all good and necessary things. But, I have to think the greatest evangelistic force in action today is the work force. Think about it. you have the opportunity to live out the gospel in front of people often under difficult stress. You have a chance to be different. "Why aren't you upset about the new rules that corporate has just handed down?" Why don't you take part in this questionable sales practice that everybody else does?" "Why do you not take advantage of the loose work schedule that everyone else around here keeps?" As these question arise, there is the opportunity. You have a chance to apply I Peter 3.15 - there is a reason for my hope. there is a reason that I act differently.

Being in full time vocational ministry now, I have days that I miss the secular workplace. I worked at Sears while going through seminary. Those were some great days. I'll admit, there were some very hard days to keep a godly perspective. If you are in the secular workplace, please know that the gospel depends on you, in a sense. God has placed you where you are for HIS purposes. Be faithful today!

I appreciate the sentiment of St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel everywhere you go, and if necessary, use words." And let us to be quick to add - the gospel IS Words. May our lives adorn the gospel today!