This is my command: be strong and courageous. Never be afraid or discouraged because I am your God. Joshua 1:9 (VOICE)
I recently read about the Catacombs in Rome where many of the early Christians were buried. One of the inscriptions read, “Here lies my wife and little girl. For the glory of Jesus, they gave their lives in the Colosseum.”
The early church faced intense persecution by several Roman emperors who committed horrific acts of violence against them. They would skin believers alive, burn them at the stake or kill them for sport. Despite the atrocities the early Christians faced, they refused to be silent about their faith. In the midst of this persecution, the number of believers didn’t shrink—it exploded!
Today, many of us struggle to drum up the courage to even talk about our faith. Why? Here are five main reasons why people don’t share the Good News about Jesus.
1. Pride: “I don’t want to look bad or be painted as the ‘religious one.’”
2. Fear: “What if people find out I’m a believer, and it hurts me socially or costs me an advancement at work?”
3. Ignorance: “I didn’t know it was important. I thought Jesus would just reach them somehow.”
4. Rebellion: “I don’t care what you say. I’m not going to do it.”
5. Laziness: “I just don’t want the work or the bother. I’m happy to just be blessed and live my life.”
We need to wake up and realize how precious unsaved people are to Jesus. Let Holy Spirit empower you to push past whatever is hindering you from sharing the Good News. He will help you do it in a way that suits your personality best. Don’t let anything hold you back!