Thursday, July 26, 2012

Telling Others About the Things We Love



Telling Others About the Things We Love

                Runners are a proud bunch. To be sure, we are in the vast minority, and we know that we are, but that in no way makes us shy about our sport. In fact, we often talk about running (even to our non-running friends), wear race shirts that easily identify us as runners, and even put stickers on our vehicles (like the one below).  We’ve also been known to be so enthusiastic about our sport that we are ready to answer questions others may have and eager to recruit others to running.


We aren’t shy about it because we enjoy the benefits, because we know that others would benefit from it too, and because, well, we just like it!  Maybe you’re not a runner, but chances are there’s some activity, person, or relationship that you are proud of and often talk about. Golfers, hunters, shoppers, crocheters (is that a word?!), grandparents, dog lovers, horse enthusiasts, bridge players, and word puzzle lovers alike have been known to be very open about their passion.

Now, here’s the point: how quick are we to talk to others about our faith? How enthusiastic are we about our relationship with God? Are we so “proud” to be a part of God’s family that we naturally talk about it? There are a couple of things to consider here.

First, it’s completely natural to talk about things or people we like and to share good news with those we know. If a man makes a hole-in-one, everyone in the same zip code will know about it! If a lady finds a 90% off sale, she will call all her friends (after she has bought all she wants, of course!). With every birth, phone calls are made and pictures are posted; parents fawn and grandparents gloat. It’s just natural.

Second, God wants us to tell others the good news we already know. In multiple passages, (Matthew 28:18,19; Mark 16:15,16; and many others ) He either overtly tells us to tell others, or shows us examples of those who shared the good news. This is His priority (Luke 19:10) and therefore should be our priority!

So, who will you tell about the One you love?

Gotta run!

Keith