One of the easiest things for us to do as Christians is to set aside our responsibility to share the gospel with others. Each of us struggle with this. We should all be sensitive to the need to reach the lost. And, if we fail in our mission souls may be lost. This ought to awaken us to the serious nature of this subject. If this issue is so dire, why is the need for Christ often the last thing we talk about with those we come in contact? 

There are several reasons we may list for our despondent disposition toward communicating our faith, but the  underlying cause is our attitude! 

Is It Work To Share My Faith? 

We often hear the term "personal work" attached to the idea of evangelism. While there is activity and effort required to teach the gospel to someone I believe this terminology may cloud our thinking. After looking at our objections as to why we do not talk to others about Jesus we need to look within our own heart and ask ourselves, "what does my faith really means to me?" 

Initially I think it best that we acknowledge the role Christ has in our own life.  If we do not reflect faith in our daily walk what we say will have little or no significance. Once we have come to grips with Christ in our own life the next step should be very natural.

Most of our opportunities to teach someone the gospel will come in ways that are easy to overlook. In network marketing, (a business model where individuals attempt to get other individuals to team up with them in a business venture), have something called the three foot rule. The idea is when you make your list of prospective business partners you think in terms of everyone you come within three feet of in the course of a day. These are your contacts! 

Facing Our Fear 

One of the primary reasons why  we do not talk to others is fear. We fear failure, we fear confrontation, we fear straining a friendship. However, within the faithful heart should be an authentic sense of boldness rather than fear.  We ought to pray for boldness, then walk in confidence toward those who are lost (Col. 4:2-6).

Squandering Opportunities?  

We generally refer to the parable found in Matthew 25:14-30 as the "parable of the talents." And, we sometimes draw a parallel between the talent in the parable as one's ability. However, the parable states the talent was given each one according to his ability (v. 15). So we understand the talent is not one's ability, but one's opportunities. Consider, since the talents are equal to opportunities the basis of the condemnation of the one talent man was his wasted opportunity. What we learn from this parable is that we will be held accountable for what we do, or fail to do, with the opportunities God provides for us. 

We should open our eyes to opportunities that we may already be experiencing. And we should be willing to itemize various opportunities and plan to utilize them to the best of our ability. 

Sometimes we think in grand terms when it comes to teaching others, but the truth is we should approach this in a simple and practical manner. While we worry about the difficult issues that  may arise, we should allow the principles in the word of God to flow naturally through our lives. When this occurs, all that follows is showing how God works in our life, and will also work in the life of someone who is seeking. 

Consider the simple approach in which Paul addresses Philemon in verse six; that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.  

Trusting In God's Power To Save

Our approach to opportunities should reflect a trust in God's power to save. And regardless of how others may respond our disposition should never be altered. 

There are 3 ways people will respond to the gospel. Some may mock, some may desire to study further, and others will believe. (ref. Acts 17:32-34).  May we learn from the parable of squandered opportunity to carefully utilize those that are set before us.