4/29/2024
Courtney Bareman has written a blog entitled How Can I Talk About Jesus Without Being Annoying?
She says: “I’ve never heard of someone coming to Christ through a megaphone of judgment and I’m not sure where the idea that sharing our faith as Christ-followers needs to be aggressive or awkward. In fear of being seen as judgmental, many of us decide to stop sharing our faith at all.
Here are a few practical ideas.
Invite People In
Paul says, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” It doesn’t say “follow me and do as I say.” He invites them in to come close and see. It’s not about having it all together, but instead inviting people in to see how you live with God, in the daily mess, and letting them be a part of it.
Start Small, Right Where You Are
Rather than talking, posting or ranting about all the bad things, try showcasing the good in the world. Bring dinner to someone who could use it. Listen and care about someone who is lonely. Build relationships. Serve others. In this way, you are showing your faith without even having to speak about it.
Getting outside and over ourselves is a big step, and it creates a lot of room for God to move in our own lives as we serve others. This is not about what we are super great or effective and efficient at, in many ways it is about showing up and being willing to do what needs to be done. Actions speak so much louder than words. There are endless opportunities to love people well and serve them, it just takes humility and the courage to be obedient.
Be Generous
As a people group, generally, Christians are not known to be a generous bunch. Instead we usually get characterized as stingy hypocrites.
What if we chose to give in a way that called us to rearrange our life to accurately reflect the values we claim to live by? What if we gave up some good and fun things so that others could thrive? What if we chose less for us so we could give more?
We think that we help provide the blessing by giving, when in reality the giver is blessed as well. Our hearts become softer and more aligned with the will of God. Our lives become more aligned with the mission of the gospel when we willingly and practically choose to surrender, rather than to serve ourselves.”
-Michael