It’s okay to talk of Jesus.
In fact, we need to.
I just read an article about a newer type of church. They have shared testimonies, collective singing, silent meditation, and baptism rituals–and they are atheists. These groups have modeled their meetings on what has worked in the Christian world, but without God. They experience a sense of community, promote a “good” lifestyle, wonder about the beauties of nature and are amazed at scientific discoveries.
So what’s different?
I wonder about this sometimes. Can someone come to our church, experience a sense of community, be encouraged in a “good” lifestyle, but never have someone personally speak to them of Jesus? Do our conversations at church (and in our lives outside church) often dance around the topic of Jesus without ever really bringing Him up? Maybe we are uncomfortable because we see religion as a personal topic. It is much easier to talk of the weather, the Chiefs, or if we are really daring–politics.
My tendency is the same. There is no judgment from me, just something I think deserves our honest self-examination. Shouldn’t church be the safest place to share with someone something we experienced that Jesus has done for us this week, or a beauty that the Holy Spirit has shown us in the Word during our time with Jesus?
Three texts worth contemplating:
Hebrews 3:13 - But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. (NASB)
Ephesians 5:15,19-20 - Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, (19) speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord, (20) always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father. (NASB)
Psalm 40:10 - I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart; I have spoken of Your faithfulness and Your salvation; I have not concealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great congregation. (NASB)
I know it can feel awkward. Breaking out in a song as you are talking to someone in the entryway at church may not always be the best approach, but it is if the Holy Spirit leads you to do it. And I’m not suggesting that every conversation needs to end in a commitment for someone to follow Christ. Maybe it’s encouraging a caregiver who has had a discouraging week to continue to look to Jesus.
Let’s be different. Let’s have our lives so daily centered in Him, that we cannot help but speak of Him. It’s okay to talk of Jesus, in fact, we need to. - Brian Gibson
