Representing??

This weekend at Compass I heard a powerful message from the Word of God that really got me thinking. We as Christians are here for a purpose...God could take us up to be with Him on the moment of conversion that we might be made perfect and glorified instantaneously but He doesn't do that. Why? Yes we know the answer but it is one thing to know something and another to put it into practice. Paul said in Philippians 1:23-25, "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith..." Paul had compassion for the lost and knew that despite the hardships and the pain he endured staying here (and the fact that he would much rather be in heaven with His Creator) it was more important and beneficial for OTHERS that He continue on in his ministry. Do we have this attitude?

I think we have one of three possible problems.
1. We are scared and timid thinking we may not know what to say or how to present the Gospel etc. But this is NOT an excuse. We are commanded to be able to give a reason for the hope that we have. We need to be prepared to share the Gospel and Christ with those in this lost world.
2. We are apathetic and have no compassion towards the lost. If we really love someone we will be willing to risk relationship and all for this person and give them the truth. This is a matter of life and death.
3. We use theological truths in un-biblical ways. Yes it is God who does the calling and the saving but He uses US, these earthen vessels to carry the message to the lost of the cross.

We need to step back for a moment and evaluate ourselves and the progress we are making in advancing the kingdom of Christ. Are we taking every opportunity to bring Him glory through sharing the Gospel? Do we really love the people we rub shoulders with on a day to day, week to week, or month to month basis? Are we willing to risk it all for the Gospel of Christ? The disciples were and did. Paul was and did. Are you? Are you representing Christ? Or are you living as a silent salesman so to speak hoping that somehow the lost will come to salvation. How will the know the truth without hearing the truth?? Think about how you came to know the Lord...each of us came because we heard the truth from someone...someone loved us enough to tell us like it is...are we willing to do the same?? Be bold in God's strength and watch Him use you!