One Last Thought
Gordon MacDonald
July 1, 2001
Remember Oskar Schindler's last emotional words to his Jewish workers? At a time when he might have basked in his heroic accomplishments, he cried, "I could have done more!" Meaning that he could have "purchased" more Jews from the gas chamber had he sacrificed his fancy car, expensive suits, and glitzy jewelry.
This is not far from the feeling many of us have whenever we think about evangelism. As biblical people we affirm the "lost" state of humanity, the necessity of salvation, and the promise of abundant and eternal life to all who believe. We're obligated, by call, to proclaim these truths. But we are rarely satisfied with how much we've done. We identify with Schindler's wrenching cry. In a world so large, so spiritually empty, we all could do more.
As a pastor I constantly struggled against an institutional system that relentlessly sucked me into its center. It was easy to go an entire week without one substantial conversation with someone outside the faith. Then too, I know the fears associated with inviting a person to follow Jesus Christ. What if he says no and rejects you, too! Often I have fought the temptation to downsize my allegiance to evangelism by rationalizing away the necessity for a person to meet the Savior.
Occasionally I have consoled myself by arguing that I was not gifted in evangelism. Yet the memory of one man lingers with me. Pointing to a place at the front of the sanctuary he said to me, "Six years ago this week, you pointed me to Christ on that very spot." Gifted or not, our telling matters.
Three things have helped me come to terms with evangelism.
1. I have been called to challenge all (repeat all) people to constant movement in their journey to God. Four markers in that journey stand out. From ...
Please complete one of the following:
If you're a Leadership journal subscriber...
...but have not yet registered for online access to CTLibrary.com, you can receive a full-year's access for just $29.95!
Register Here | | If you're NOT a Leadership journal print subscriber...
You're entitled to a special, introductory offer for new subscribers only! Subscribe now and receive a one-year Leadership journal print subscription and one-year access to all Leadership archives for just $39.95!
Subscribe now!
When you log in as a Leadership Journal subscriber, you'll see additional articles noted as premium content only available to CTLibrary.com members. To access the entire CTLibrary requires a CTLibrary subscription. If you would prefer this option, select the offer below that best fits your needs.
|
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
