I often feel a burden of guilt related to Jesus’ Great Commission (Matt 28:18–20, 2 Cor 5:11–21). Add to this the weight of responsibility to live before a watching world in such a way that I commend the gospel (Matt 5:16, 1 Thess 4:11, 1 Pet 2:12). It makes me feel like I am never ‘off the hook’. How do I deal with this burden? What does it look like to live quiet lives that are a witness to God, to live as ambassadors of Christ in this world?
Awe
Maybe you can remember the first time you came to understand the mercy and grace of God: the feeling of awe and wonder at his love for you. As we learn the truths of God and his promises to us, our awe of him grows. Our hearts become enthralled and consequently, the way that we live changes. We can trust that this is something that people will notice. They will see a glimmer of our hope and joy in Christ—a lived-out example of the difference Jesus makes.
Further, when our hearts are moved in awe of God, it compels us to speak of him. You know what it is like to experience something great—like a majestic waterfall, a good movie or a beautiful song—and then want to share it with someone else. It seems to make the experience better if we can share it. So it can be with our awe of God. As we become enraptured with him and the beauty of Christ, we become delighted to share him with others. This doesn’t mean we won’t be nervous. But there is a joy in the privilege we have to share our love for God with others.
Authenticity
In our culture of not knowing what is real or fake, of questioning everything, people want authenticity. People yearn for something reliable. Could it be that the quiet lives of Christians living in awe of their loving Father is what this world needs? In our everyday experiences we can show truth and meaning in the chaos of modern life. As we go about our lives, seeking to be faithful Christians, we can stand as a pillar for truth. I feel terrified about the responsibility—I so often feel like a fraud! Yet what a privilege it is to show truth and meaning to a world that craves it.
Trusting God to Use Our Ordinary Lives
Most us live ordinary lives. I sit in therapists’ appointments, get the groceries, walk my dog. These circumstances often feel mundane, rushing from one thing to the next just trying to get through it all, the only purpose being the joy of ticking it off my list.
Yet these are all opportunities to show God’s glory. I am living out of the situation that God has put me in. God has placed each of us in our current circumstances for his purposes, to do the good works that he has prepared for us to do (Eph 2:10). This truth comforts and equips us. It is the knowledge that our everyday moments have meaning. As we quietly go about showing kindness, gentleness and patience we are worshipping God and even being a light for Christ to the people we encounter. As Paul says: “whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). To have this sense of purpose and meaning in life is a true joy and privilege.
I may not know when and how God will use me in his purposes of saving the world. But I will pray and look for opportunities, and continue to serve him in the meantime.
Maybe (like me) you are not a natural evangelist. Maybe the idea of talking to others about Jesus frightens you. Maybe you stumble on your words when you try and share the gospel. Maybe the word evangelism is enough to make your stomach hurl.
If that’s you, then can I encourage you (with me) to remember the goodness of God? Keep growing in your awe of him. Keep growing in your godliness. Find meaning in the everyday moments of life. Trust him to use you for his glory. Rather than a guilty burden, take joy in the fact that you and I are never ‘off the hook’. As we live quiet lives, we are always children of God and ambassadors for Christ. May we feel an equal amount of the heaviness of responsibility and the lightness of joy.
