God is fair; he will not forget the work you did and the love you showed for him by helping his people. And he will remember that you are still helping them. We want each of you to go on with the same hard work all your lives so you will surely get what you hope for. We do not want you to become lazy. Be like those who through faith and patience will receive what God has promised. Hebrews 6:10-12 NCV
[God] will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. Matthew 6:33 NLT
A few years back, Barna Research found a sharp decline in spiritual conversations among American Christians over the past 25 years. Fewer Christians are engaging in the mission Jesus gave us, faith-sharing, and many now view evangelism as the responsibility of the local church rather than a personal calling.
In a 2024 report, another Barna Group study found that only 36% of practicing Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith with others. This represents a significant decrease from 1993, when 89% of Christians believed it was their personal responsibility. The study also indicated that only about half of practicing Christians (52%) actually shared their faith at least once in the past year, according to another Barna Group study.
Why is that true, when the commission of Jesus is clear from His very own lips, recorded faithfully by eyewitnesses? I think life shows the most basic reason is that anything we don’t regularly do ceases to feel like our responsibility, no matter what it is. But beyond that, a Jesus Film survey of several thousand in the sample group gave these reasons for not sharing their faith: 22% said fear keeps them from sharing, 17% didn’t have opportunities, 10% didn't feel equipped, 9% said others weren't interested, 8% feared rejection, 8% feared hostility, 8% were too busy, 4% were too shy, 4% couldn't find an appropriate time, 4% didn't find it easy to bring up faith, 3% didn't want to come across as pushy, 3% didn't want to offend others, and the remaining 17% said nothing stops them from sharing their faith.
Whatever makes us fear or lack passion for sharing in the most fulfilling and magnificent mission is cheating us. We make the wisest and most fulfilling investment in our own faith and future when we join the mission with all we have. Jesus Himself will go with us and equip us. God will never forget your efforts and will reward you as by faith and perseverance you see His promises fulfilled. You won’t need to stress and worry about life, because if you first of all care about what HE cares about, God will handle all that matters to you. The wisest way to live.
- What keeps me from investing in the mission? What will I do about it?