I want to begin with a quote. For many Christians, this quote will sound quite familiar. “Go into the world and preach the gospel, and if necessary use words.”

Was I right? Have you possibly come across this before? Maybe even heard it from a pastor or youth pastor before?

I have heard this many, many times from several different Christians throughout my life. For a time in my life, I had accepted this statement as truth. In fact, it was practically my motto when it came to my faith for quite a while. As soon as I heard the statement, my heart leaped for joy at the thought of not having to speak publicly or possibly have to explain my faith. I thought it was great that people could see it all in my actions and I would never have to speak a word. Then, I had the nerve to begin to really search scripture myself. I began to wonder just how true this statement was in comparison to what God said. I began to search for answers on my own. Some might say that's where I messed up, but I would have to say it was the greatest mistake of my life.

You see, the reality is this statement and way of Christian living doesn't work. You can see the contradiction when you compare it to scripture and what Jesus taught. Let me provide you with two examples.

“For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!” ‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:13-15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:18-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Imagine someone who has never learned to read. They are sitting there with a book in their hands, desperately wanting to learn. Then I walk up, with the intention to teach them, and sit down next to them. Instead of starting a conversation with this person or asking if I can help, I simply grab another book and begin reading. According to this quote we have read earlier, this person who cannot read should be able to look at me, understand what I am doing, learn from me and then become a proficient reader themselves. Makes sense right?

What I have found in the teachings of Jesus and all throughout scripture is that it was never an option to not talk about God. If you have chosen to follow Jesus, then you have chosen all that comes with that. We don't pick and choose. This includes going out, setting aside our pride, and sharing the love of Jesus with anyone and everyone.

Now, there may be some of you who read this and think “Of course. That's an obvious thing.” My question then is, why are we still silent?

If you look at the church today it is still plenty full of people who still subscribe to that way of living. And while that may not be me anymore, I am still part of the problem if I am one, not continuing to share my faith constantly and consistently and two, if I am not teaching others to do the same.

The principle from what Paul wrote to the Romans can be used here. How can someone share if they are never taught? This is the job of all of those who have reached that level of maturity. It is now our responsibility to turn and help someone else out of the trap of silence.

So my point today is this: while living out your faith in all of your actions is important, it is equally important to be vocal about that faith. It is absolutely necessary to use words so that others may come to know that great love that you might have found. The need for grace and redemption did not stop when we found Jesus. There are still plenty of hurting people out there in desperate need. If you don't believe me, turn on the news.

Get up. Speak out. Share Jesus.