“For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.” – Hebrews 4:2
Pets are wonderful. They might be among God’s humblest creatures, yet bring immense joy to our lives.
They’re great for kids. Pets teach responsibility and nurturing. How many of us have fond memories of a favorite dog, cat or other furry friend from our youth?
These beloved animals don’t come with instruction manuals. Children, especially, have to be taught how to take care of pets. Feeding, grooming, cleaning up … all are tasks that must be taught, and fully embraced. As much as we love them, these animals can’t do so themselves!
Similarly, as we grow up and enter the professional world, we learn and refine a host of new skills. Many young people are fortunate to be guided by a mentor, someone who has lots of experience in a field. They impart their wisdom to shape and improve the younger counterpart. Many do so in hopes the person will mentor someone else, later in their career.
Are you ready to be a mentor? Are you ready to teach a subject about which others might have zero knowledge … or even a predisposition against?
We all have a heavenly calling to proclaim our love of God, and following of Christ’s teachings. This passion begs to be shared with an immense, not-always-welcoming audience: the section of society that doesn’t know God, and sees no reason to do so. Why would they, having never been taught?
Reaching the Unreached
“It is the Lord your God you must follow, and him you must revere. Keep his commands and obey him; serve him and hold fast to him.” – Deuteronomy 13:4
Research shows overwhelmingly that church membership, and even affiliation with faith, has dropped dramatically in recent decades. More and more people aren’t being raised in faith … or, perhaps worse yet, have walked away from God.
Popular culture has overwhelmingly supported this trend. Hollywood demeans and ridicules Christ’s disciples at every turn. The rise of “cancel culture” threatens
public flagellation for anyone who dares to speak of faith in God. Momentum has clearly shifted away from religion being a bedrock, widely-accepted element of life in America.
Thus, millions upon millions out there have no inkling of the all-consuming power of God’s love. Who’s to blame?
We all are, to some degree. Christians are notoriously quiet, not wanting to ruffle feathers or “offend” someone with talk of faith. This, despite the beseeching of Romans 10:14: “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”
Scripture instructs us repeatedly to share the Good News with non-believers. It’s rarely easy, and goes against the oft-reticent nature of Christians. Yet how many lives could be positively changed, and existences made more fulfilled, if we just spoke up?
Getting the (God’s) Word Out There
“My tongue will proclaim your righteousness, your praises all day long.” – Psalms 35:28
We need to talk about God. Otherwise, nothing will change. Here are a few suggestions to “get the conversation started”:
• Share faith-based content on social media – Bible verses or prayer requests, for example. If nothing else, like or share others’ similar posts.
• Pray in public, such as at a restaurant before a meal. Let others see you living out your faith.
• Drop faith-based language into everyday conversation. Swap “amen” for “I agree.” Try “I’m blessed” for “I’m lucky.” Switch “I pray you are …” for “I hope you are …”
• Invite others to faith-oriented events – church, prayer group … or even a C-Suite for Christ meeting!
• Wear apparel that proclaims your faith – maybe from the C-Suite for Christ Swag Store?
It’s up to us to tell others about the Word of God! No one else is going to step in.
Just like teaching a child about caring for a pet, be kind and patient. Just like a mentor instructing their mentee on the finer points of life, imbue the message with trust that it will be paid forward. Feel God’s strength as you act. You’re following His instructions, after all … and now is absolutely, certainly the time.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Submit a prayer request for a pressing need in your life. Participate in a virtual prayer session to ask God to be with those who have submitted requests. Follow C Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
