Don't Believe In God?
You probably heard the term 'evangelism'. It means "the preaching or promulgation of the gospel; the work of an evangelist."More recently you've probably heard of customer evangelism. Most famous for this are Apple computer owners. They try to get you to convert from a PC to a Mac. They want to save you. In that regard, I've been saved about seven years.
But make no mistake, it is a religious term. It describes the efforts of the religious, followers of Jesus specifically, to convince you to believe in God. It is an effort to fulfill what is commonly called the Great Commission. No, this is not 5% on the closing of the deal. It describes the last words that Jesus said to his followers.
They were:
"God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train
everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by
baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then
instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with
you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the
age."
But I think followers of Jesus may be wrong on how we understand evangelism at the root level.
I have a new perspective on evangelism these days. It may make some people mad. But I actually don't view it as my job to convince people to believe in God.
What?
That's right. You read it correctly. I don't believe it's my responsibility to convince people to believe in God.
So what is my responsibility?
I believe it is my responsibility to convince people that I do.
It may sound strange, but I feel it is an important distinction. There is nothing more powerful than the example of a life that is living with authenticity, passion, and integrity. This takes the focus of winning argument and puts it on personal responsibility. That's what I strive for. In truth, that is the only proof there is of God's existence—the evidence of a changed life.
And that will create the opportunity for a conversation of why I do what I do...
"In truth, that is the only proof there is of God's existence—the evidence of a changed life."
It is true that faith can change lives. But so do other religions too, not just Christianity. A life changing experience can also be something completely different, like felling in love or finding a new job or some other major change. Besides I've met a lot of people, who's life have changed when they became a Christian, but the change didn't last for a long time. These are the reasons I don't consider it as a proof for God's existence.
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Thanks for the thoughts. I understand what you are saying. But I stand by my original points.
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