If I'm not mistaken, that's the bottom line philosophy of the Marines. It should also be the bottom line for Christians in their worlds. If we don't have this mindset, knowing that we have the answer (Jesus), then what witness do we present. Do you care about being a force, a voice so that all those living in YOUR world have had the opportunity to hear the good news?
Is there enough time? Does that make any difference? You have what you have and can always be that voice. I sometimes wonder if we feel that we can't share what the Lord has done in our lives or that if we say the wrong thing, the listener may not accept. That's not our decision, our choice. Remember too the parable of the sower. Some sow, some water, and some reap (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15). We don't always know what our words and behavior express to those around us. We can never make that decision for others. We can, however, present that message in our way, with our gifting.
The Lord has chosen to work through us. And He is as interested in the person standing next to you as He is about you. In His Word, He expresses just how important being saved is for each of us.
2 Peter 3:9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
"The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is
not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is
[extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish
but for all to come to repentance."
Is there enough time? Does that make any difference? You have what you have and can always be that voice. I sometimes wonder if we feel that we can't share what the Lord has done in our lives or that if we say the wrong thing, the listener may not accept. That's not our decision, our choice. Remember too the parable of the sower. Some sow, some water, and some reap (Matthew 13:1-23, Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15). We don't always know what our words and behavior express to those around us. We can never make that decision for others. We can, however, present that message in our way, with our gifting.
The Lord has chosen to work through us. And He is as interested in the person standing next to you as He is about you. In His Word, He expresses just how important being saved is for each of us.
2 Peter 3:9 Amplified Bible (AMP)
"The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is
not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is
[extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish
but for all to come to repentance."
1 Timothy 2:4
"...God our Savior, who wishes all people to be saved and to come
to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth."
Footnote: Salvation is offered to everyone, but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer. (1 Timothy 2:4)
to the knowledge and recognition of the [divine] truth."
Footnote: Salvation is offered to everyone, but each individual must choose to accept or reject God’s gracious offer. (1 Timothy 2:4)
Quite honestly, it makes little difference if you feel you are important... you are. The words you speak and the actions that mark your interactions may truly be the only Bible someone will read. You have a message that brings life, brings hope and is important in touching lives. Closing
this discussion - 1 John 3:9, John 3:16 Amplified
Bible (AMP)
"No one who
is born of God [deliberately, knowingly, and habitually]
practices sin, because God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence
of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is
born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed,
renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again]
cannot habitually[live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born
of God and longs to please Him."
practices sin, because God’s seed [His principle of life, the essence
of His righteous character] remains [permanently] in him [who is
born again—who is reborn from above—spiritually transformed,
renewed, and set apart for His purpose]; and he [who is born again]
cannot habitually[live a life characterized by] sin, because he is born
of God and longs to please Him."
"For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He[even]
gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes
and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life."
What if you had never heard of the Lord and what He does for His people? You had the choice because of how He has made Himself known to you. He still works through people. You are a voice of hope to others.
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