THE work before the work
“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” -2 Timothy 4:5
The work of an evangelist at its core is a work of God. If you plant a good seed in the earth, all things consistent it will yield good fruit. If you have a burden for the lost and a desire to serve God above all else, it will yield evangelistic work. Doing the work of an evangelist begins with having a work of God done and continuing in you. Do we want to reverse that and do the “work” (i.e. church retreats, conventions, what have you) before we have the work done and continuing in us? Granted, it is not all bad to think about evangelism in a practical sense, like, Lord give me a vehicle: a website, tent meeting, retreat, etc. However, I am convinced that it starts with the unbending and undying fire of God burning in your heart for the things of God. It is a natural state of being that consumes your life until you view your whole world as a mission field and your every possession as a tool for the harvest.
In my opinion it is easier to look at evangelism with a “what can we do?” mentality, that is to say looking for “events” to “accomplish”; i.e. hosting a concert, having a bonfire, etc. It is easier because at times it requires very little life change. But to lay your all on the alter and ask God to take full control of your life? What would happen if we considered this doing the “work of an evangelist” (because it is)? Are you prepared to lend your home to be a half-way house? Are you willing to cross the sea and smuggle Bibles into China? Does your neighbor, grocer, co-worker, know you are serving God? Have you shared your testimony with them? Sometimes, dare I say it, we know more about evangelism than we care to admit. We know that it takes a full commitment, we know that it may cost us our luxuries, we know that it will inconvenience us, and we know that it will alienate us from the world. Perhaps it is time to leave off asking “what can we do?” and being asking “Lord what would you have me do?” My life is your blank check, my possessions at your disposal. I care not what or where you take me, I want only to please you and live my life for thee. I want only to live the sanctified life. When this work consumes us, the method to carry it out will reveal itself. God will give that to us when we give it all to him. It might not be something you can point to and say “here is my ministry.” You might live your whole life a chain of benevolent deeds done here and there and only understand the purpose of it all when you get to heaven. However, one thing is certain, the work requires sacrifice, and it requires obedience beyond your vision.
Trying to do the work of an evangelist without first having a work done in us, is like trying to grown an apple tree without first planting the seed. The work begins with a work, a work of God in us, and then we go to work. There are many out there (perhaps you are one of them) who understand this, and the “work” that they are doing right now is a result of their commitment to God (and God is blessing them). But if you are sitting wondering “what can we do? What can we do?” Maybe it is time to cast aside this question for a space and seek rather towards “Lord what would you have me to do?” And be prepared to answer with your feet. The work of an evangelist is a Sanctified life, not a one-time sanctified experience, and the sanctified LIFE is being wholly dedicated and devoted to the service of God. Are you sanctified to Him and his work? This is the work of the evangelist.
Thanks for the re-post. Great way to start 2015 on the subject of evangelism. Please continue to remind us of our responsibilities to communicate the Gospel. May God bless you and your wife this year.....Steve
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