A friend of mine was leading some men through Ways of the Alongsider, a bible-study from The Navigators that teaches folks how to come alongside others in their spiritual journeys. At some point, one of the men said, “I get it! You’re asking us to share the gospel with people and when they believe, help them grow in the faith so that they can repeat the process.” My friend said, “Yes. Of course.” Then the man said, “I’m not ready for that yet.”
I can think of a number of comeback responses:
- If you’re not ready now, what are you doing to get ready? Luke 12:47, 48 is clear:
And that servant who knew his master’s will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.
- Are you less ready than Matthew when he was called in Luke 5, who immediately threw a dinner party for his unsaved friends?
- Are you less ready than the Woman at the Well in John 4 who immediately went and invited her village, filled with people who probably didn’t even like her, to meet Jesus?
- Are you less ready than the demon-possessed guy in Mark 5 who asked Jesus for more training, but whom Jesus sent to his home town to tell his story?
It is chilling that our allegedly bible-believing churches are filled with people who are willing to admit they’re “not ready” to do what Jesus has clearly asked us to do, aren’t doing anything to get ready, and are allowed to be members in good standing without even being challenged.
I find that most people in most churches will be “ready” after they’ve had “one more course.” But it’s always one more course. No wonder the harvest is still plentiful and the laborers are still few.
Bob,
I agree. If we wait to “be ready”, it will never happen. As Christians, we need to embrace our status as children of the Kingdom, thus we are already “ready” because of what Christ has done on our behalf. Our role is to join in God’s work here on earth.
We are called to testify to what we have seen. We can’t prepare to witness a crime, but if we are summoned to the court room, we are called on by the judge to state what we have seen and heard. Likewise, we are called to tell people what we have seen and heard of the saving power of Christ.
best regards,
John
http://www.thehillofbeans.com
Good word, John. I especially like your use of the word “testify.” A friend just pointed out to me that we’re called to be “witnesses” in Acts 1.8. One can always be ready to be a witness.
As Tony Robbins says, “When would now be a good time?”
Yes!