Everyone has heard it said that silence speaks volumes. A fact that we have all experienced in our life’s in one way or another. Often the words we don’t speak have a larger impact than all the words we could think to string together. Likewise, the things we don’t speak say volumes. Truly a lack of words or action can do a better job speaking our minds or hearts than words ever could. This is abundantly true and we know that all the statements we make whether spoken or silent will be weighed in the balances of eternity. Sadly many of us often fail to realize just what we are saying when we choose to not share the Gospel with the lost we encounter every day.
It’s a sad fact that most Christians today are slow to share their faith. It has become a cultural norm to no longer tell others about Christ for fear we may offend them. Others falsely believe there is no point in sharing the gospel because everyone has had to hear of Jesus and if they didn’t believe before they won’t believe now. Many believe by not witnessing they are simply saying I don’t want to offend or bother you with what you have already heard.
But in reality, they are sending a much worse message to that person and even God. One that says I don’t love or care about you. Nor do I fully believe all of God’s word to be true. You may try to argue against this but how can you argue against God’s word? Are you really going to tell me that you love the lost and fully believe God’s word but are not willing to warn all those headed for destruction about a way to escape the perils of hell?
Revelation 21:8 (ESV)
8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
Matthew 25:46 (ESV)
46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
Matthew 25:41 (ESV)
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Revelation 20:10 (ESV)
10 and the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
If you believe that God is real and the Bible is real then you must also believe all that is written about hell is true. As well as the fact that it awaits all those who die without a relationship with God. When we don’t take the time to share our faith with lost souls we are in turn saying we are fine with them spending an eternity suffering in hell. Whether it is what we really intend to say or not, that is what our actions are saying. Scripture declares that faith comes by hearing. But how will people hear unless someone tells them? As Christians, it is our responsibility to tell everyone we can about our life-changing and saving God. If we don’t share the Gospel then many will never hear it.
Romans 10:14 (ESV)
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
Romans 10:17 (ESV)
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Often we want to credit our lack of evangelism to the belief that others simply won’t listen. Or that we know they will never be interested. However, that is never our call to make. When Jesus called His followers to make disciples He said to go unto all people. Not just those you think might be interested to hear what you have to say. Or those who seem like they will be quick to accept your teaching. Because there’s no way to tell who’s heart God may be dealing with and who will come to faith. At the time no one would have thought Saul, a persecutor of the early church, would become Paul the Apostle. God’s job is to deal with the heart. Our only responsibility is to share the gospel with everyone we can and pray they accept it.
Matthew 28:19 (ESV)
19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Acts 9:20–21 (ESV)
20 And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” 21 And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”
Galatians 1:22–24 (ESV)
22 And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.
Believe it or not many atheists actually appreciate it when Christians share their faith with them. Because it shows them that there are people in this world who do love them. Member of the magic duo Penn and Teller and outspoken atheist Penn Jillette has expressed this very point. Stating in an interview how much do you have to hate someone to not share what you believe to be life-saving truth with them. A statement that should truly touch the heart of every Christian. As well as shows just what people hear when we choose to not share our faith with them.
Now you could experience many instances where people like Mr. Jillette do not accept the message you present. But that’s fine because you have done your job and expressed your beliefs through your actions. Extending the same love to them as God once showed you when you were living separated from Him. Not to mention the fact that you never know what the seed you plant today could sprout tomorrow. Just think of how Stephen’s final words must have worked to shape the Apostle Paul’s further faith.
Acts 7:59–8:1 (ESV)
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
8:1 And Saul approved of his execution.
And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
As I touched on briefly in the opening of this article by not sharing the Gospel we are also speaking to God. Saying openly that we do not take His word seriously. Because it does not affect us enough to have concern for others. The truth is if we shared the same view of scripture that the early church did we would never stop trying to warn other of the perils that await them if they don’t turn from their sins. But we have sadly grown cold to the strong warnings of scripture throughout the centuries. Slowly becoming consumed with self and losing all love we have for others. Making them the ultimate statement that we do not actually love God. Because as scripture asks how can we love God if we do not love those we can see?
1 John 4:20 (ESV)
20 If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.
Is that really the message you want to send to God? That you don’t respect His word or even love Him? Despite your best intentions, that is what you say every time you make the decision not to share the gospel with someone. It is a statement directly from the heart. A physical manifestation of the scripture that says they honor me with their lips but their hearts are far from me. God’s heart is for all people to be saved and we are His hands and feet in accomplishing that goal. If our goal is to be completely aligned with the heart of God and His word then we must be aligned with Him in evangelism.
Matthew 15:8 (ESV)
8 “ ‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
1 Timothy 2:4 (ESV)
4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Understand that sharing the Gospel isn’t simply something you should do. Or even something only certain Christians are supposed to do. It is an act that every Christian has been called by God to complete. In order to speak as we should to God and man then we must share our faith. Silence speaks volumes and so do actions but they speak louder than words. By sharing the Gospel we proclaim our love and respect for God. As well as our love and concern for all people. Don’t allow your silence and lack of action to speak for you anymore. Instead, start sharing what you believe today by choosing to share the gospel with everyone you can. Because you know in your heart you never want to see anyone die a sinner’s death or dishonor the God who blessed you with so much.
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