By Michael Risley
As the well-known evangelist D.L. Moody walked down a Chicago street one day, he came up to a man and asked him if he were a Christian. The fellow raised his fists and angrily exclaimed, “You mind your own business!” “This is my business,” replied Moody. “Well, then, you must be Moody,” the man responded.
Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The good works, our business, that God has planned for you and me to accomplish today–sharing Jesus, giving, encouraging, loving–are vitally important for us to be doing while there is still time.
One of these good works is to constantly be encouraging others. Life is difficult for all of us, so everyone needs a good word! Everyone around you and me should feel lifted and built up by our words. Ephesians 4:29 says it best, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
The other day I went to my seven-year-old grandson’s baseball game and noticed he hit the ball really hard. So as we were walking to the parking lot after the game, I mentioned to him, “Wow, you really hit that ball well! That was a solid hit!” I could tell by my grandson’s smile that he delighted in hearing those words.
The greatest good work you and I can do for another person is to tell them about Jesus. Because personally knowing Jesus as their Savior and Lord is what real life, abundant life, and eternal life is all about. I John 5:11-13 says, “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life. I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life.”
So here is a simple, practical way to share the Gospel of Jesus with someone:
1. Say to them, “I found a 5 minute video that helped me get closer to God. I am wondering if I could show it to you?
2. If they say “Yes,” then click on the link here and it takes you to our Gospel video entitled “How to know Jesus personally.” Click on the YouTube video and let them watch!
3. When the video is done, ask them what they thought. You might also ask what they thought about praying the salvation prayer. If they didn’t pray or want to put their faith in Jesus, you might let them know that if they ever reconsidered, you would be happy to help them. If they did pray and put their trust in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, then help them in their new faith by using the spiritual practices at the end of the video (like reading their Bible, praying, going to a Christ-honoring church, etc.).
Remember friends, it is OUR BUSINESS to be active in the good works of encouraging others and especially letting them know about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
Want more encouragement and inspiration to help you finish well and make each day count? Listen to more from Joanie and Michael Risley on the Meaningful Moments podcast.