"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes..." Romans 1:16When I first met Hanaa(Ethiopia) in her ESL school, she was wearing a bold 'Jesus' t-shirt. Hanaa relates well to Muslims around her. She isn't aware of what's 'politically correct'. She wants everyone to know that she loves Jesus! It's a delight to have new immigrant believers like Hanaa in my conversation groups. In Hanaa's cultural background, 'God' is on people's lips all the time.
On the other hand, we are a private culture. Western Christians often keep faith to themselves. Very few model including 'Jesus' in conversations even with Christians. And praying is done behind closed doors--seldom part of a 'Christian social gathering'.
Recent participants in an adult Sunday School class were fully engaged as Joy walked them through her fabulous Our Journey (click) presentation. She talked about how Christians hear(ears) news about Muslims and then see(eyes) them in the grocery store...etc. but ended with doing(hands) something for a Muslim friend. Joy asked, "What's missing?" The audience was stumped. They came for cultural tips to prepare for the imminent arrival of the Syrian refugee family they sponsored. It didn't dawn on them there was an unused body part that God wanted to use--'the Mouth'.
Should Christians share Jesus with Muslims?? What about the alleged quote from Francis of Assisi "Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words”? Some would say, "Isn't this a wise approach? After all, we don't want to offend Muslims..."
"How many times have we heard that message? That we share the Gospel by the way we live and only tell people the Gospel "when it's necessary?" Ray Comfort said "this statement is comparable to saying "feed the hungry--if necessary, use food." (Worldview Times)
How did we get here? Churches provide fewer public opportunities of sharing lessons God has taught us...answers to prayer or of opportunities showing/sharing God's love. We don't practice talking about 'Jesus' even in church. Judging from responses we get from our bi-weekly prayer updates, Christian brothers and sisters long for more 'God talk'. They are ready for more passion.
A Christian myth developed that 'being a witness' means sharing the whole '9 yards' like the '4 Spiritual Laws' every time. Many believers say, "I can't do that!" Unbelievers distance themselves. I grew up on the farm. There is a lot more to getting a crop into the bin than harvesting. Likewise with effective witness. Usually this involves befriending someone, praying for them, nurturing common interests, and just being transparent about who we are. Let's create some 'intrigue' in our witnessing by using stories so the listener wants to hear more...on our next visit. Jesus did that.
Large churches put on evangelistic events like showing a Christian movie. Parishioners are encouraged to bring their non-Christian friends. Unless there is teaching otherwise, these can dis-empower Christians with the thought of "leave it to the professionals".
I love signs of spring...the first robin, the first flower, or pussy willows. I also love seeing signs of spiritual interest in my Muslim friend. Isn't it exciting to partner with God in showing kindness and in proclamation?
Lord Jesus, give me the conviction, desire, courage, and opportunity to creatively share you with Muslims I meet. Amen.
