Go Ye Into All The World - Part 2

As we talk with people about the gospel of Jesus, a second way to respond is by reacting.  This occurs when we allow what someone else says dictate how we respond. Often the response is a defensive one.  This often occurs when people “push our buttons,” that is, when they say those things that we feel must be answered in a defensive nature. When we allow this to happen the other person is the one in control of the conversation. We can also react this way when the situation is not a good one. Instead of reacting, the better response is a proactive one.

A proactive response is one where I am the one in control of the conversation. Several examples can be found in Scripture.  For example, Paul and Silas in prison  - Acts 16.  They could have sat there frustrated, confused, angry, and /or scared.  Maybe deep down inside they were some or all of those things; but it did not manifest itself in their actions.  Instead they sang praises to the Lord.  Then when the jailer was ready to take his own life, they intervened.  They refused to allow the circumstances of life to dictate how they would act.  This attitude contributed to the jailer’s conversion from paganism to our Lord.

Our Lord was also proactive when He spoke with people.  When speaking with the women at the well Jesus could have reacted to what the women said on several occasions, or determined this lady is not interested in what I am offering.  But He did not do either. Instead He acted proactively and steered the conversation in the direction the women needed rather than where she wanted it to, go.  Read the conversation between Jesus and the women in John 4 and notice how Jesus was proactive.

Afraid you can’t do it?  You cannot do it if you do not try.  If fear is a problem re-read last week’s article.  Also keep in mind that Jesus has used imperfect people throughout history to accomplish His work.  Consider the following people God used. Aaron, made the golden calf while Moses was on the Mount with God, yet he served as the first High Priest.  Moses, he had no confidence in his abilities to lead God’s people, but he proved a capable leader with God’s help.  Peter, he rebuked the Lord for suggesting He would die in Jerusalem (see Matthew 16).  He denied the Lord three times the night of the betrayal.  He refused to eat with Gentiles after being the one to first teach them the gospel at the home of Cornelius (see Galatians 2).  The list could go on but these illustrate the point.  God can use us imperfect as we are in accomplishing His work.

—Denny