Journey of the Word

“Preach the gospel every day. When necessary, use words.”

Perhaps you’ve heard the popular phrase. And perhaps, like me, you’ve cringed.

For to preach the gospel, one must use words.

. . . then the following scenarios may surprise you.

Can you name three instances in which the Christian’s initial responsibility is to do good so that unbelievers may see and respond to the gospel?

Scenario #1

You want to reach your unbelieving family, friends, and coworkers. You would share the gospel with them, but they won’t have it. You would bring them to church, but they have better things to do.

They would rather you hang out with them. And become one of them. Participate in their lifestyle and join their world. 

{Instead, you do good.}

You lead an honorable life even when they don’t. You reject what they enjoy, because it feels rather foreign. In areas where they may cut corners or downright rebel, you uphold righteousness.

Then, when they attempt to make fun or shift blame, they have nothing to say. You display a blameless life, proving the truth you’ve long wanted to speak. 

And in the end, these, your unbelieving friends, glorify God because of what they saw in you.

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution . . . For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

1 Peter 2:11-15

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Scenario #2

Of all the lost souls you encounter, you most want to reach your unbelieving husband with the truth of the gospel. If it were up to you, you’d speak of it endlessly and plaster it on the walls.

{Instead, you do good.}

You submit to your husband as you would Christ, with the greatest respect. Your nagging disappears. Your preaching fades. It’s an attitude change that replaces your words with a meek and quiet spirit.

And the next thing you know, your husband is asking about the truth because he has now seen it in its beauty.

Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

1 Peter 3:1

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Scenario #3

And now the scene changes.

Someone actually hears the truth of the gospel from your own lips. 

Speaking to an unbeliever isn’t easy. Especially this one. 

He actually started the conversation, but now he’s challenging you in every way. Raising every difficult question. Laughing in your face.

You want to fight back. Make it clear that he’s wrong. Show him all the fallacies and see if that does it. Or just give up in frustration.

{Instead, you do good.}

You respond quietly and kindly. You take the time to understand the questions of his soul. And, when an opportunity is given, you respectfully share the Reason why you live how you live.

Any mocking or belittling only turns to shame. How can he point the finger at one who displays such mercy and grace?

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

1 Peter 3:15

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And so, in three separate instances, Peter surprisingly calls the Christian to reach out to unbelievers using outward action. To live honorably. To exemplify rather than to speak. And, when speaking, to speak with grace.

Because through these good deeds, God rejoices to work.

But please realize two things these scenarios are not:

Not a guarantee. Peter gives a command, but he doesn’t guarantee the person’s response. They may see your good deeds and glorify God. They may be won without a word. They may be put to shame. Our responsibility is nothing but obedience in these matters. Then when our conscience is clear, we can finally intercede boldly for God to do the rest.

Not comprehensive. Note I said, “The Christian’s initial responsibility is to do good.” Peter expects good conduct, and good behavior, and good deeds. But read the rest of your Bible. There’s more to it than that.

Good deeds come far short of saving. And even the most beautiful display of good behavior fails if the Word is never spoken.

But if you’d lived the Gospel every day, maybe some have been watching. Maybe they’ll be ready to listen, and maybe they’ll even ask. And then you’ll have a welcome opportunity to preach the Gospel using words.

 [image credit: pixabay.com]