The great commission vs. bumper stickers

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)



I read an article this morning about a bumper sticker that reads “Please Lord, Save Me From Your Followers” in which the author spoke of Christians who offend by “pushing the Word of God down your throat”.

I am a member of a church who’s first premise is the Great Commission so I had to examine the impact of this and other negative responses to attempts at evangelism.

Many Christians are afraid to speak of their faith for fear of turning folks off or of offending. Some of us are plain selfish and so happy in our own relationship with the Holy Spirit that we don’t think of taking the time to share.

I have a happy experience to share: Our pastor has an out-of-town visitor and a group of us women in the church took responsibility for showing her our little bit of Florida.

Nothing was planned in advance because we didn’t know she was coming. We just all did what is natural for us. We took her to concerts, a fashion show, lots of dinners/lunches and movies. In the meantime we continued our normal work for the church.

Our hearts swelled with gratitude and our eyes filled with tears when Pastor announced that her friend remarked that she was returning home with a renewed sense of purpose after spending time with us.

I believe that we have incorporated The Great Commission into our daily lives and this leaves little room to offend.

Pastor teaches “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15. When The Word has become a part of your life there are plenty of opportunities for the world to hear.

May God Be a Blessing in Your Life!!