Every Friday a group of fearless bloggers gathers at Kate Motaung's place for a five-minute free write. Leave your perfectionism at the door, and just write!The writing prompt for today is DARE.
START
That I am an introvert is not news. From that you may have deduced that evangelism is not my spiritual gift. I'm much more comfortable behind the safety of my keyboard.
I wrote a short paragraph that hit on a few major points:
- Salvation by grace, not by works: I can't do anything to earn my way into heaven
- Religion vs. relationship: Religion tends to make ritual the goal (have to do this or that)
- Faith is an integral part of who we are: It doesn't fit into a compartment on Sunday morning
I sent that along, with some pre- and post-paragraph text. I don't know how these two people will react upon reading it, but I am confident that I did what the Lord wanted me to do.
Doing God's will can feel like a daring move--I felt as though I was bungee jumping!--but He does equip us to do what He sends us to do. I rest in the assurance that I am not responsible for anyone's conversion. I can spread the Word, but only the Holy Spirit can move in someone's heart.
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. (1 Peter 3:15-16)
STOP
God made you who you are to be a mirror for his glory, and your gifts are as important to the Kingdom as anyone else's. Keep spreading the good news from your keyboard and may the peace of Christ be with you. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteGreat post, I can so relate to you! Bungee jumping is a great way to describe how you felt. Thanks for sharing your story of sharing. Very encouraging to me...a fellow introvert.
ReplyDeleteMelissa, I'm so encouraged by your post. For many years I felt terribly guilty about not having the gift of evangelism. Your story is a wonderful example of how God uses all personality types and gifts to build His kingdom! And the bungee jumping analogy is the best. As a fellow introvert, that's pretty much how I feel whenever I take a step out of my comfort zone. So well put!
ReplyDeleteYep! We're reading the same book and learning the same lessons :).
ReplyDeleteYou were called for a reason.. You said you were confident... that is what matters... it isn't how you witness (verbal or written), but that you did it...
ReplyDeleteWell done ;)