Author and speaker Simon Senik is well known for his famous TED Talk, “How Great Leaders Inspire Action,” and the book that followed, Start with Why.
His central idea is simple but powerful; great leaders and organizations inspire people by focusing first on why they exist, and then on what they do and how they do it. The principle applies equally well to the work of evangelism and our motivation for sharing the gospel.
If our focus is primarily on what (telling people about Jesus) or how (training and tactics), the work of evangelism can feel forced and uncomfortable. But once the why sinks in, everything changes. Our perspective shifts from pressure to passion, from awkwardness to urgency, from guilt to gratitude.
Rather than a scripted effort, evangelism that begins with why flows naturally from our personal relationship with Jesus Christ and our desire that others experience what we’ve found. For Christians, sharing our faith is shaped by several whys.
Love
Talk to a newlywed. Or a new parent or grandparent. It doesn’t take long to discover what’s on their mind. They’ll gladly—and unashamedly—tell you about the ones they love. Is there any reason to think that works differently for the Christian? As our love and appreciation for God grows, it naturally finds its way into our conversations. We share our faith because we love the God who makes our faith possible.
Gratitude
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9, New International Version). We’ve been forgiven of our sins. We live with peace and joy and hope and purpose. What do we do as a result? We declare the praises of the God who saved us, the one who makes our present and future possible. We share our faith with others because we’re grateful. Jesus told a man he delivered from demonic possession, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you” (Mark 5:19). Seen this way, sharing our faith isn’t a duty; it’s our grateful response to God’s mercy.
Compassion
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). When we see the people around us as Jesus sees them—lost, confused, hurting, and hopeless—our hearts go out to them. We want them to have the same hope we have. The gospel truly is good news and sharing it with others is one of the most loving, kind, and compassionate things we can do.
Eternity
The message of the gospel carries eternal implications. Every person who comes into this world enters as an immortal soul housed in a human body. That soul will spend eternity either in heaven or in hell. It’s a powerful why. The relationship a person has with Christ in this life matters forever. When we share our faith with others, we do it knowing their eternal destiny is at stake.
The Glory of God
Above every other why, we share the gospel to glorify God. Sharing our faith with those around us clearly blesses those who respond to the good news. But in an even greater way, leading others to faith in Christ brings God the glory he deserves.
You and I have been created for a single purpose—to bring glory to God. God confirmed this truth through the prophet Isaiah: “everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” (Isaiah 43:7). The psalmist understood this and urged God’s people to “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Psalm 96:30). Evangelism isn’t only about bringing people to salvation (as important as that is). It’s about honoring the one who created and redeemed us. God is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise—the more, the better.
Revelation 7:9-12 gives us a glimpse into a praise event in heaven.
After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”
All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying: “Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!”
Every immortal soul who comes to faith in Christ adds to the number of those who will glorify God in this world and in the life to come. And he is worthy of that glory.
When we start with why, sharing our faith is not a burden. It’s the most natural thing we can do.
Recent postings: A director of campus ministry is needed at the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign). Stillwater (Pa.) Christian Church is looking for both a lead pastor and a youth pastor. Lexington (Ohio) Church of Christ is seeking a full-time senior minister. Norwin Christian Church in North Huntingdon, Pa., needs a full-time worship minister. Lycoming Christian Church in Linden, Pa., is seeking a minister of children, youth, and young adults. Michigan City (Ind.) Christian Church needs a senior minister. And more . . .
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