Sharing the Gospel in the 21st Century

Kimberly Magsig

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12: 4-8

Some days I wonder if I am doing enough with my life to share the gospel. Are my conversations with my best friend about a new book preparing me to share my faith? Do my weekend plans to walk around Target looking at home decor items measure up to what God is calling me to do? Should I be hanging out with family when there are people around the world who don’t know Jesus? 

The spiral is real. 

But I’m not alone. Something I have heard repeatedly from fellow Christians is, 

"Am I doing enough to share the gospel?"
Romans 12 provides me with some peace of mind. Here is my main takeaway: as we use the gifts God has given us to be part of the body of Christ, opportunities to share the gospel arise. 

In this first blog, we’ll look at how you can use God’s gifts of serving, teaching, and encouraging in your day-to-day life. And how these gifts open the door for authentic conversations about faith.

If it is serving, then serve

My papa spends roughly eight hours a day at the computer coding. (He does other stuff for work too, but this is the part I understand.) Despite being mature in his faith, he often feels that the demands of his job keep him from telling others about Jesus. 

This sentiment is often echoed by people who have desk jobs, or work from home on their own. After all, the gift of serving sounds like it applies to people like nurses, doctors, or aid workers. People who spend their days, well, serving. Right? Not quite. 

When work consumes your life, you can still use God’s gift of service to share the gospel. 

How? 

You can serve others out of love for Jesus. 

When my papa is working on a project, he doesn’t complain. Instead, he does all he can to deliver a quality product—an act of service.

There will still be times when work is difficult or challenging. Colossians 3:23 reminds us of our why for working, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” 

Each time someone asks you to do something, you have an opportunity to do so out of love for God. 

That’s the kind of work ethic that gets noticed. 

This opens the door for you to share your why. For you to tell others about everything God has done. For you to share your faith and how it motivates you to live your life. 

If it is teaching, then teach

A good friend of mine recently became a first-time mom. Her daily routine now includes changing diapers, feeding the baby, cleaning, and cooking. Sometimes she even manages to squeeze in a moment for herself. She’s able to quote more Bible passages than anyone I know. But she says that life is overwhelming as a new parent. She is worried she is missing opportunities to share her faith with others. 

While teachers are the first people to come to mind when I hear this verse, they are certainly not the only ones who teach. Anytime you pass along your knowledge on a subject you are teaching. 

Parents pass along what they know to their children. Friends share their skills with one another. Experts write books that are read by thousands of curious adults. 

And as you teach, you are an ambassador of Christ with your words and actions. 

Look at the instruction we receive from God in Colossians 3:16, “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you reach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” 

Every time you teach someone something, be sure to speak God’s word. 

Thank God for the gifts He has given. Pray for understanding as you teach a new subject. Celebrate when someone finally understands what you were teaching them.

If it is to encourage, then give encouragement

My Oma has spent the past several months in her apartment at a senior living facility. Her days are often spent alone. When she does see people it’s because she is either shopping for groceries or Facetiming with family. The past year has seen lots of ups and downs in her faith, but she’s been able to stay positive about life.

Experiencing a major challenge in your life gives you the ability to empathize. 

Kind words from friends and family can help boost someone’s mood. Empathy and spiritual encouragement pour God’s love into the deepest parts of our souls that need healing. 

Bad things will happen to you in your life. It’s how you choose to respond that says a lot about where (or who) you place your hope and trust. 

My Oma had to watch her husband die of cancer. She moved across the country all by herself. And she’s lived through this pandemic. Yet she wakes up with a purpose each day. No matter what troubles are on her mind, she stays strong in God’s promises. Her life and actions remind me how precious each day is. 

When you face difficulties, learn from them. Look for ways to take that bad and use it for God’s glory. Don’t miss out on becoming an encourager. 

Here’s what we learn in Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Thank God that he is with you in the storm. Allow God’s wisdom to provide meaningful and appropriate encouragement to someone living through a similar ordeal. 

Serving, teaching, and encouraging are just some of the gifts God has given us to live as the body of Christ in this world. While not all of them may seem applicable to your life at the moment, understanding how each gift operates will give you a bigger appreciation for just how powerful the body of Christ is. 

Didn’t connect with any of the skills in today’s blog? Don’t worry. In the next blog in the series, we’ll take a look at how giving, leading, and showing mercy can provide opportunities to share the gospel. 

Blog entry used by permission of Kingdom Workers. For more information, visit kingdomworkers.com.