How to avoid sitting on the shelf spiritually

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”— Matthew 5:14

Fritz Kreisler, the world-famous violinist, earned a fortune with his concerts and compositions, but he generously gave most of it away. So, when he discovered an exquisite violin on one of his trips, he wasn’t able to buy it. Later, having raised enough money to meet the asking price, he returned to the seller, hoping to purchase that beautiful instrument.

To his great dismay, the beautiful instrument had been sold to a collector. Kreisler made his way to the new owner’s home and offered to buy the violin. But the collector said it had become his most prized possession and he would not sell it.

Disappointed, Kreisler was about to leave when he asked, “Could I play the instrument just once before it is consigned to silence?” Permission was granted, and he filled the room with such heart-moving music that the collector’s emotions were deeply stirred. “I have no right to keep that to myself,” he exclaimed. “It’s yours, Mr. Kreisler. Take it into the world and let people hear it!”

Sadly, many Christians have been consigned to silence when it comes to sharing the gospel. Yes, they’ll attend church and volunteer for committees, but they are noticeably absent when it comes to taking the message of salvation to the world.

Whether that means calling up a friend, reaching out on social media, or sending an email, don’t sit on the shelf collecting dust. Take the gospel into the world and let people hear it!

Prayer Challenge

Ask God to show you how you can get off the shelf and share His message of hope with someone.

Questions for thought

When was the last time you shared the gospel with a lost person?

Who are some people in your life today who need to hear God’s message of salvation? When and where can you share it with them?