The One

There’s a well known quote that says, “Preach the gospel at all times. If necessary use words.” 

While I understand the meaning and intended sentiment – be so radically loving, humble, and kind that people know there is something different about you- I can’t help but think this stops far short of what Jesus commands us to do. 

The gospel message is not about your good behavior, although that’s an outgrowth of the Christian life.  People can be altruistic for a number of reasons and the motivation may not be tied, at least in their minds, specifically to the truth of the gospel.   But in a sense it is always rooted in the full revelation of God’s great love, because we are made in the image of God.  The moral law exists in us and this is in fact, historically, one of the strongest arguments for God’s existence. 

When we say, “Just look at my life, and you will see the gospel” – we can hope that is true, but we have to point people to the perfect life of Jesus. 

“Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). We need to hear the full gospel message that calls us to a life of repentance and obedience. 

We’re called to tell about the One Life that can save us.  The Word who became flesh to walk among us – the One who healed the sick, opened blind eyes, and set the captives free.

We preach and teach about the One who was so radically loving and humble that he died a cruel death on a cross, asking God to forgive the ones who put him there. 

We’re commanded to open our mouths and speak about Him who after three days in the grave rose in power, victorious forever over death. 

We are called to “go and tell” about the One who changed everything, the Life that gives us life, if only we believe. 

We share the full truth and message of the gospel, always being prepared to give a reason for the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15)

We’re compelled to point others to the way, the truth, and the life .
To the living water.
To the bread that always satisfies.   

He is our hope. 
He is the One.

Preach the gospel.
And use words.