Apparently not. Or at least not nearly so often according to a recent study released on May 15th, 2018 by the faith-based research group Barna where they compared current findings with those gathered twenty-five years ago. They found that sharing faith is increasingly optional to Christians, which directly opposes the Great Commission given to believers by the resurrected Christ in Matthew 28:16-20 before His transfiguration to heaven. But then again, another Barna study conducted last October indicated 51% of churchgoers had never even heard of the Great Commission.
According to the May survey, 64% of Christians hold the opinion it is the responsibility of every believer to share their faith, compared to 89% in 1993. A 25% drop in as many years.
So why has this changed? Is it the pressure society imposes to become more “inclusive” and less “judgmental” about other’s viewpoints? Or is it perhaps people become too “busy” to be about the work of the kingdom? Regardless, we are the righteous remnant that is shrinking even further as we progress toward the end of days. Can we leave anyone behind because we did not share the gospel and bear witness to the wonderful salvation freely given to us by our Lord and Savior? Matthew 28:19 does not begin with “Optionally, if you find the time and are not opposed to the idea…”. Instead, it begins with “Go therefore…” – an imperative quotation from the mouth of Jesus.
Don’t be lax in doing the good we are commanded and fulfilling our role in the Commission given us by Christ. Speak words of faith. Teach God’s goodness.
Lord, help us to be constantly aware of those You have placed in our path and help us speak the Words of Life to them You have placed within us. Instill boldness and fire in our spirit that we would proclaim Your kingdom to all the nations. Teach us, Lord, to be a mighty and powerful witness. Amen.
–RG