Barbara the Baptist. A missionary mindset is intentional. Witnessing daily is intentional. It takes attentiveness. It takes alertness to the prompting of God's Spirit. It takes a love from God that is powerful enough to move us beyond our fleshly apathy and comfort zone to take action to speak the truth in love to someone who may desperately need it. Love and compassion moved Jesus to act on our behalf. We need more of His love to move us to action! I know I need more of His love everyday!
On the way out of the parking garage at work today, the Lord prompted me to talk to the parking garage attendant on my way out. I had to go out of my way to speak with her. I had a silver coin gospel tract in my pocket for just such an opportunity as this. Do you equip yourself with the tools to be ready share the hope that is within you? The coin has the law on one side and the gospel on the other. It's a great conversation starter and a great tract.
I handed it to the parking lot attendant sitting in the booth and said:
Me: How are you doing? Have you received one of these coins?
Barbara: No, I haven't.
Me: It's a priceless coin.
Barbara: (Checking it out). Because it has the 10 commandments on it?
Me: Yes, and because it has the gospel on the other side, which can lead to eternal life with God in heaven. The Bible says that the law, the 10 Commandments, were given to show us how desperately we need a savior, and the gospel on the other side explains how we can know for sure that we've been saved from our sins. Have you ever repented of your sins and placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior?
Barbara: Yes, I have. I'm Baptist.
Me: That's wonderful. What's your name?
Barbara: Barbara.
Me: Hey, Barbara, my name's Chris. How long have you been working here? I don't think I've seen you here before?
Barbara: I'm a temporary. I fill in some times.
Me: Well, it's great to meet you. If you get a chance, please pass the coin along to someone who may not know their eternal destiny and who may need to hear the gospel. Jesus said in Matthew 4:19, "follow me and I will teach you how to fish for men." These coins are great tools to use for "fishing."
Barbara: Ok. Thanks.
Me: Have a good night, Barbara. Maybe I'll see you around again some time.
Barbara: Thanks. You too.
As I started to drive off. I saw Barbara reading the coin. Maybe the Lord put someone on her heart who needs to hear the gospel, and maybe the Lord gave her the courage, boldness, and love to step out in faith to pass it along to them. When I run across professing believers, I usually try to ask how often they share their faith with others. And I try to encourage them to begin to fish for men if they're not actively doing so already. After all, that's the very mission that the Lord has given us no matter what our actual vocation may be. Like Lincoln Brewster sings in the praise song "Everyday," "everyday, it's You I live for!"
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