How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? (NIV)

What are you passionate about?  Maybe it’s a sports team, quilting, hunting, work, your kids, your spouse, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your grandkids, coffee or tea, books, cars, boats, painting, places you’ve traveled, cooking, smoking (meat, not tobacco), shooting, running, clothes, yard sales, Crossfit, a special diet, a TV show, etc.  For me, as an Alaska newbie, I love to talk about Alaska with people who visit with little Alaska experience.  I’ll talk to them about Alaskan sights (I love seeing Denali from Eagle River on a clear day, or seeing the boretide on the Turnagain Arm), activities, myths, history (did you know today in 1867, the U.S. found out that the Czar had approved the sale of Alaska to the U.S. for $7.2 million?), animals (I think my favorite is the ermine), and more.  

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When we lived outside Alaska, people would notice our Alaska license plates, and I’d share about the wonders of Alaska.  I’ve talked to strangers on planes about Alaska, and on the rare occasion that I post online, it’s usually something about Alaska.  Some of my enjoyment in sharing Alaska is because I love this state, but it’s also because I’m trying to improve someone else’s experience when they’re here.

So why don’t I talk about Jesus? Maybe it’s because I don’t want to burden or annoy them.  Maybe I don’t feel qualified. Maybe it’s because my work won’t let me talk about religion.  Maybe it’s because I’m afraid what they’ll think of me. Maybe I’m afraid that they’ll ask questions I can’t answer. Maybe it’s because I believe that I “preach the Gospel, use words if necessary.” Maybe it’s someone else’s responsibility. Maybe it’s because I know that if no one speaks, the rocks and tree will. Maybe I don’t want to be that guy. Maybe it’s because I believe in predestination, and if God means for them to be saved, then He’ll do it without my involvement. Maybe it’s because Paul says in Romans 10:18 that they have already heard.  

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But to be honest, it’s probably because I weigh my short-term comfort more than their eternal discomfort. What about you?

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I don’t think we’re all called to go door-to-door, making cold calls about Jesus.  But opportunities abound to talk about God, Jesus, your faith, blessings, thankfulness, and more.   Did you know that in Colossians 4:3, Paul asked the church in Colossae to pray that God would open a door for Paul to be able to preach the mystery of Christ?  Maybe, like Paul, we pray both to see the opportunities that God provides and also for the wisdom and strength to make the most of those opportunities.

Father in Heaven, thank you for Jesus. Help me to share Jesus with other people with boldness, wisdom, and understanding. Give me the wisdom to see opportunities to talk about you and give me the strength to do so. Amen.