Do you take the Great Commission seriously? Are you aware that it is about making disciples rather than converts? Yet the process begins with making converts, so this is implied rather than stated explicitly. Have you ever made a convert and been pleased with yourself for doing so? There is rejoicing in heaven for every lost sheep brought into the fold. But this is the beginning rather than the completion of your work. You wouldn’t abandon a newborn infant to the elements or to their own devices. The same arguments apply for those who respond to the gospel message. Feed my sheep.

Do you like to spend time in nature? People are drawn to hike in the woods, to seek out parks and lakes and streams and mountains, and this is true even if they can’t articulate the reasons that they are attracted to do this. Is this a spiritual experience for you? Consider how many of the founders of the faith had their encounter with God in the wilderness, including me. It is possible to be drawn to outdoor sanctuaries without understanding why. When you do it is it with deliberate intent to seek me? If you seek you will find and if you walk in the woods I will meet you there.

If you were making a sales pitch for the gospel message, what would be your selling points? The forgiveness of sins? Are your friends in despair longing for this? An effective sales pitch must relate to a felt need on the part of the customer. If they don’t realize the need for what you are selling; they won’t buy. Is there another approach? What if you presented the message as a means for dealing with their alienation, isolation, and loneliness? Would this capture their attention and be more likely to get a response?

Skeptical people struggling with doubts are really wrestling with me, even if they wouldn’t describe it that way. Have you encountered such people? This is more and more common and you can expect this trend to continue. Are you prepared to be my advocate for eternal truth when you encounter them? If you are it may feel like pinch-hitting in baseball, or tag-team wrestling. Start with what you know to be true and be prepared to be led by the Spirit in the moment. I’m always looking for people to be on my team. It may seem like they are wrestling with you but don’t take it personally.