“What you have heard me teach publicly you should teach to others. Share these teachings with people you can trust. Then they will be able to teach others these same things.” 2 Timothy 2:2 ERV
Most people are familiar with the Great Commission–the last words that Jesus Christ spoke to mankind before His ascension. He told his followers to make disciples, with the express purpose that they would teach others. Continuing the process throughout time, the responsibility now lies with us.
Why is it so hard to share the gospel? What do we hesitate to tell others what God has done in our lives? Why does the thought make us timid and embarrassed? Is this any way a Christ-follower should be?
Maybe it’s hard for us because we don’t have everything figured out as many unanswered questions roll around inside our heads. Perhaps we’re reserved because our lives aren’t perfect and we have issues of our own, so why should we presume to talk with others as if we’re the experts?
I have good news about sharing the Good News! Start small!
My wife and I have the great pleasure of keeping our granddaughter frequently. She’s not even a year-and-a-half old. She’s soaking up knowledge like a sponge, and it’s so much fun to be able to help her. If we can’t share Jesus with her, then there’s no hope for us reaching anyone else.
With a baby one has to take baby steps, and that’s what we’re doing in teaching her about Jesus and the Bible. She has a Noah’s Ark with Little People; we read the short picture books of Bible stories to her; she can identify the painting of Jesus hanging on our wall; she knows that Jesus loves her; and when we say grace before eating, she places her little hands together under her chin as we pray, and she says “amen” at the end.
How do you teach others about the key Christian principles? You start small. I can think of no better influence than instructing one’s own children and grandchildren. It can make a gigantic impact on the kind of person the child becomes. It’s the launch pad for a lifetime commitment to Jesus Christ.
Is there a little one in your life who you can reach?
Prayer: Thank you, God, for children! May we be diligent in leading them to a full Christian life. Amen