Romans 10:14-15, Mark 16:15, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 4:1-5, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Isaiah 6:1-10
Summary: Anyone who presents the Gospel is considered to have “beautiful feet,” which “brings glad tidings of good things.” Some are called to travel long distances, and some are limited. Regardless, the key is to be obedient and willing to carry out Christ’s great commission.
No true follower of Jesus Christ can afford in these last days or any time to remain silent as countless souls pour into eternity every day. If we love the LORD as we claim, it is out of love, regardless of the hostility of people and the forces of evil, to do everything possible to share the message of the Gospel with them. We must not be afraid of what anyone says or does to us. We must not be afraid nor intimidated by any government edict, threat, or law that would try to stop the commission the Lord Jesus Christ gave us. We are to ignore the tirades of the mental midgets in places of authority who would think that shaking their fists in our faces would prevent the power of God to transform the vilest of lives.
The enemies of the Gospel are the servants of the devil, who hate God and everything for which He stands and represents (2 Corinthians 11:12-15). The devil is the prince of this world (Ephesians 2:2), and he will do and say anything to prevent his enslaved subjects from hearing that they can be freed by the grace, mercy, and saving power of Jesus Christ. The devil uses governments, persecution, fear, intimidation, shame, and peer pressure to silence the voices of Christians who point out the destructive actions and words bringing this world and its inhabitants to ruination, both here and in terms of eternity.
None of what the world, the flesh, and the devil throw at us should EVER be used as an excuse to prevent us from fulfilling an order that our King gave to us before He left for heaven two thousand years ago. The command to present the saving message of the Gospel is to be enacted not only by preachers, evangelists, and teachers but by everyone who has been redeemed by Him.
The blessing of evangelism is that anyone is capable of doing it. If we are in tune to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the guidance of God’s Holy Word and take our mind off the things of the world, our minds and hearts become open and subject to His instructions. Remember that the things of this world are to be destroyed and that we are not to hold on to temporary possessions but to reach out and grasp the hearts and minds of those around us who might be taking their final breath this very day.
With this in mind, how do we go about sharing our faith, even if we are limited by age, mobility, education, or other situations? As someone who is limited by illness and cannot travel as much as I would like, I want to share some insights from Scripture and my own experiences to show that God can use you anywhere and in any situation to share the Word of the Living God in these days leading to His glorious return and rule as Scripture proclaims.
First, nothing can get underway without approaching the LORD in prayer. We don’t go out to battle without being equipped with the weapons and intelligence needed to “fight the good fight” and win (Genesis 32:26-28; 1 Kings 17:21-22; Matthew 17:21, 21:22; John 14:13, 15:7; Acts 4:31,16:25-26, 31; Romans 10:9-10, 13; Ephesians 6:10-18; James 5:18).
We cannot do the work of the LORD in our strength. I believe this is what prevents a lot of “good intentions” and “proposed ministries” from being enacted. We do not go out into the fields of harvest without knowing how to glean. We need to study the Word, make certain that we are clean before the LORD, and live a life that demonstrates that “our walk matches our talk.” We must have a true relationship with the LORD of the work before we can do the work of the LORD.
Your “beautiful feet” can begin their journey with something as simple as leaving Gospel tracts in places that you frequent. I realize that not everybody is eloquent in speech and that talking to someone about anything can be intimidating. Good, biblically sound gospel tracts can present the story of Jesus when your own speech gets wobbly at times.
I have used tracts from “Moments with the Book” and Chick Publications (although I am not KJV only as they believe) for many years, putting them in areas such as public bathrooms, local businesses (with permission), restaurants (with a good tip), and have given them out at public events such as parades, carnivals, concerts, and other areas, saying, “Did you get one of these?” or “Here, take one.” If someone asked what they were, I took the time to explain it to them. Many of them were appreciative of what I was doing. Some were indifferent or worse. That does not matter. Your job is to present the life-changing Word of God and let the Holy Spirit take care of their souls (Luke 9:1-6).
I also have my website printed on the back for further information. This leads to the next way the LORD can use your “beautiful feet” when you can’t walk very far, and that is the use of the internet. At this moment, more people are using the internet to get answers about life and what lies beyond it. It is an opportunity for anyone, regardless of age, education, or any limitations that you think you might have. Your own testimony, posted on social media, can be used by the LORD to change a life. Do not worry if you receive a caustic comment from someone. The opinions of people are not the issue. You are to persevere in the calling that God gave you.
I have used the internet as my primary mission field for several years by writing Bible studies, messages, and articles for online ministries that have been read and used by pastors and brethren worldwide. Just as John Wesley said that “the world is my parish,” I see the internet as a way of traveling around this nation and the world to plant the seeds of the Word, to water barren fields, and provide comfort for that one lone person who feels that he or she is the only one standing firm for Christ amidst a sea of reprobation. The material I have written has been viewed thousands of times, and those views mean that someone has been exposed to the Good News.
We are not to have “quotas” or statistics at our side to see if we are successful in our tasks. The important thing is to be faithful to whatever means the LORD has given you to accomplish the Great Commission. This is the message I gave last week at our annual meeting of the Oklahoma Conference of Southern Baptist Evangelists. This is also the message I want to pass on to you as the days grow closer to Jesus’ return.
It does not matter if you cannot travel very far. If God uses your own “beautiful feet” to go across the street and reach one person for Christ, that one act can change the world not only for them but be the catalyst used to change lives that we will not know about until we are in the presence of the King one day.
Do not let the world intimidate you. Do not remain silent. Do not miss out on the blessings of seeing what your “beautiful feet” can do, even if you cannot travel that far. Now that I’ve presented this message, get up, start walking, and let Jesus guide you on the path He gave you.
For suggestions on how to use tracts, go to: www.chick.com or www.momentswiththebook.com.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Since Donald submitted this article, I received the following message from Him:
Last Monday morning, I was rushed to the hospital, and I was informed that my kidney function had dwindled down to 14%. Dialysis had to begin immediately. I’ve undergone three treatments so far, and if you know anything about this procedure, it wears you out. I want to let you know that I will continue to contribute to RR periodically, but don’t look for anything new until I get used to the procedures and related medicinal treatment. I wanted to drop you a line and let all of you know. I will be posting occasional “Reality City Review ” broadcasts as time allows. Thanks.