The Confidence Factor...

This week in class part of what we read and talked about was motivation for evangelism.  The opening question of the chapter was "Why don't more Christians tell others about Jesus Christ?"  The answer was "For most people, the problem is lack of confidence" (The Local Church in Evangelism, p135).  I can understand that answer.  I am not a "people-person," an extrovert, outgoing, or whatever else you want to call it.  I am afraid to step out there where people are concerned.  I am afraid of standing out; I want to blend in.  I am not sure where it comes from but it is there.  Talking to people (strangers especially), making small talk is something I rely on God to help me with - to get me through.  I feel inadequate and intimidated about talking to people, let alone sharing Christ with them.  I fear not being an effective witness for Christ.  

The confidence with which the first Christians shared the message of Christ was not based on their own persuasive ability.  It came from knowing who Jesus is, their understanding of what God was doing, and the power of the Holy Spirit (p135).

I am confident in who Jesus is, I understand what God does and the power of the Holy Spirit.  I am confident that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior.  That He died for me.  That He loves me and wants the best for me.  He gets me through every day, every minute and every moment.  He gives me the strength and power to do all He has for me to do.  


So if I have confidence in Jesus and I rely on Him for everything that I do, why do I lack confidence?  Why am I afraid?  We talked in class about being politically correct.  We talked about how we become afraid because we might offend.  I think this is were my lack of confidence comes from.  Not only am I afraid of embarrassing myself, I am afraid of offending others.  But aren't I offending Jesus when I do not share?  Don't I offend Him when I am not obedient to His leading to share?


One thing that I have learned through this study is that all I have to do is share who Jesus is and what He has done for me.  Those are my thoughts that people can take or leave.  They are not given to offend but shared to encourage.  My part is not the hard part.  I am not the one who has to persuade or convince - that is the Holy Spirit's job.  My job is to be confident in Him, to share, and to be obedient to Jesus Christ.

Above all, believers need to be reminded that God is the One who saves people.  The Holy Spirit is the One who convinces of sin.  Jesus is the One who builds His church.  We simply take part in the work God is doing in people's lives (p149).