Evangelism is essential for growth. If we don’t do the work then no work gets done. Unfortunately our attitude is not always good toward evangelism. We get tired and discouraged because we see little success from our efforts. Then the devil steps in and starts whispering, “What’s the use? No one wants to hear the Bible anymore.” Tired and discouraged we are tempted to agree. We start trying to convince ourselves that we can evangelize by example from now on. Many of us have felt something like this at one time or another. Not even elders, deacons, teachers and preachers are immune. Therefore, having faced the temptation myself, I made up a list of motivators to help adjust an improper attitude. I trust you will find some encouragement in the following points:
- You can’t lose them all. The law of averages guarantees you will win some sooner or later. Hang in there and stick with it (Hebrews 3:14).
- At any given time, one percent or more of your area is interested in the Bible (Ecclesiastes 3:11). Fish until you find them.
- When digging for diamonds you have to go through a lot of dirt. The same is true when searching for honest hearts (Matthew 7:13-14).
- Sincere efforts in evangelism please God even if we don’t change the world by our efforts (2 Timothy 4:1-5).
- There is no set quota that you must fill. God simply requires that you keep trying (Revelation 2:10). Eventually you’ll lead someone to Jesus.
- Not even Jesus had complete success rate so why should we expect to convert everyone we approach (Mark 10:17-22).
- Facing the challenge of evangelism shows maturity. Avoiding the challenge indicates immaturity (Hebrews 5:12-14).
- Doing what you can in evangelism shows you care for the lost. Talk is cheap and actions do speak louder than words (James 2:14-26).
- Doing what you are able to do in evangelism shows you understand God’s desire for Christians to use their talents (Matthew 25:14-30).
- Doing what we are able to do in evangelism shows we care for the local church (1 John 2:3-6).
- The few (or many) successes you have will be worth all the effort. They will be the most valuable successes of your life (Matthew 16:26).
- You can’t catch fish if you don’t keep your bait in the water. Be a persistent fisherman (Matthew 4:18-20). You’re not a loser until you quit.
- Persistence will pay off (Matthew 10:22; Acts 18:4; 19:8-10).
- Every effort when viewed in retrospect will teach you something and move you further up the ladder of maturity (Hebrews 5:14).
- It is not your responsibility to convert the entire world, but rather to make an honest and continuous effort in your area (Mark 5:18-20).
- There is life for the evangelism worker after “no” (Luke 9:5-6).
- Becoming proficient in evangelism is a great challenge. Few exercise the self-discipline necessary (1 Corinthians 9:27). Will you be one of them?
- What better way to express your love and appreciation to God and others than through personal evangelism (John 15:14; 2 Corinthians 5:14)?
- Success in evangelism is one of the greatest feelings on earth. It’s great to fall asleep with a smile on your face (Galatians 6:4).
- Doing evangelism is active involvement. It’s not being a spectator or bystander. It is making a difference and having a purpose (Matthew 12:30).
- It is my legal, constitutional and God-given right to approach anyone in a polite manner and endeavor to interest him in the Bible (Romans 13:1-7).
- Eternity is in the heart of every man (Ecclesiastes 3:11). It may be buried deep, but it exists and we can appeal to it.
- Set a good example for the congregation (Matthew 5:16; Titus 2:7-8).
- Our job is not just to hold the fort but to also storm the heights (Jude 3).
- The world is seeking someone to follow and will follow someone. Will it be Jesus or Satan (Matthew 9:35-38)?
- People are hungry for a better way of life. Show them the better way that Jesus offers (John 10: 8-11).
- Faith is a natural part of man. He believes in many things, and he can also believe in God if he chooses to do so (John 20:30-31).
- Satan cannot stop you (Romans 8:31-39).
- Let’s face it, there is no magic formula; if the church is going to grow we must work (Romans 10:14-15).
- Nothing worthwhile is ever easy (2 Timothy 2:3).
- If one idea doesn’t work, try another one. Never quit (Galatians 6:9).
- Today is a new day. Forget yesterday’s failures (Philippians 3:12-16).
- God doesn’t reward laziness; He does reward diligence (Hebrews 11:6).
- Personal work is like swimming in cold water. You’re uncomfortable at first but after a while you don’t want to get out (Acts 8:14).
- When you evangelize you are part of the solution. When you don’t, you’re part of the problem (Matthew 12:30).
- Even if you are on the right track you’ll still get run over if you just sit there (Revelation 3:15-16). Christianity is a race (Hebrews 12:1).
- Jesus died so we can have salvation (2 Corinthians 5:14). Don’t sit idle!
One or more of these thoughts will help you when facing discouragement. Keep the list handy and when you start getting discouraged refer to it and adjust your attitude before the problem becomes too serious (Revelation 3:15-16).
Adapted from Clarence Fell
