Evangelists

I recently heard a radio report on modern office jargon, which included some companies now using the term ‘evangelist’ for those who were responsible for marketing and selling their products. This took me back to a meeting in the company I used to work for who had introduced this change several years ago.

I remembered sitting in a meeting listening to the Director telling us that an evangelist knows his product, is passionate about his product and wants everyone to know about his product. He went on to say that this should be the motivation for all employees and not solely limited to those whose primary function is to sell the products; we should all be able to and want to sell the products.

It was quite a motivational talk in the secular scheme of things and we all got the message – sell, sell, sell… each and every one of us, at every opportunity… sell!

I remember at the time feeling slightly uncomfortable as I considered how far short I fell as being a true evangelist of Jesus Christ. I had to ask myself some hard questions. Do I really know my product (Jesus Christ)? Am I passionate about my faith? Am I willing and able to ‘sell’ my faith at every opportunity that presents itself to me? Or do I see it as someone else’s responsibility as evangelism is not my primary gift?

The truth is God is depending on each and every one of us to share His Good News. Whilst there are some that He has gifted in this area, our love and knowledge of Jesus Christ should motivate us to want to tell others, even if they reject us because of it.

I often admired those who sold and marketed our products, they seemed to delight in the few results from the vast amount of marketing they did. And so it should be with us. We should be able and willing to tell others the Good News, regardless of the response we get. For, if we don’t, who else will tell those who are lost that there is hope in Jesus Christ?

Prayer: Father, I’m sorry I haven’t been a good evangelist for You. Please give me the passion, the knowledge, the strength and the courage to share Your Good News to those who are lost and living life without You. Amen.