So You’re Not Billy Graham…
by Carol Blain

“The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry…until all of us come to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God…” Eph. 4:11-13

I have always heard that we need to use the natural gifts that God has given us, and not to try to operate in those with which we are not gifted.  I can go along with that to some extent, I guess, but on the other hand, it sounds like a bit of a “cop out” to me.  I remember hearing one of my favorite Bible Teachers, Chuck Swindoll, on the radio, saying that he did not have the gift of evangelism.  Chuck shared that the gift he was given was, without a doubt, that of teaching.  He compared himself to Billy Graham, probably the most well known, most effective Evangelist of our time.  Dr. Graham can bring hundreds of people to Christ by just getting up on the podium and sharing an inspiring message, seemingly without much effort at all. Chuck said that while he would never be able to do what Billy Graham can do, it is still important for him to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who don’t know about Him.  I know that I am not greatly gifted in the area of evangelism, nor am I a great bible teacher like Chuck, or even my husband Jeff.  It is, however, still my responsibility, as one called and redeemed by Christ, to share that life-giving news with others.  It doesn’t mean that I have to hunt down those non-believers I encounter and preach at them, or hand out tracts, or even stand on the street corner and proclaim my faith.  I am called to “let my light so shine before others, so that they may see my good works, and give glory to my Father in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

A while back, I was working with someone who I was desperately trying to get to come to some of our outreach activities at church.  I was faithfully praying for her, as were some of my other co-workers who attend Ascension.  She did attend the Illusions & Beyond event and indicated an interest in several follow-up opportunities.  At one point, she had contact with Jeff, and what she told him, is something I will never forget – something that has really helped me see that I am always to ‘shine that light’ no matter where I am, or what I am doing.  She said that although the Illusions event was good, my co-workers and I, by our actions and behavior in the secular workplace, were as good, if not better witnesses than any program we might promote through the church.  WOW! You think it doesn’t matter what you do Monday through Saturday?!  Actions really do speak louder than words sometimes.  So even if you’re not a Billy Graham, or a Chuck Swindoll, you CAN and DO share your faith with those around you.  Just be sure that it is the Good News of Jesus Christ that you are sharing!

Father, help me to see that as a Christian, what I do every day of my life is seen as a reflection of You by all those around me.  Let me shine the light of Your love everywhere I go, so that You may be glorified and I will have the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus with those I encounter in my daily life.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.