“It seems to me that in the orbit of our world you are the North Pole, I the South-so much in balance, in agreement- and yet, the whole world lies between.” – Thomas Wolfe
“Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” - attributed to Francis of Assisi. This statement is often quoted when someone wants to suggest that Christians talk about the gospel too much, and live out the gospel too little. This is certainly problematic - overbearing Christians who “witness” without the corresponding response to the gospel they are supposedly sharing is an absurdity. But, I think the stereotypical , judgmental, arrogant, overbearing Christian is far more rare than the self assured person who likes this sort of statement because it enables them to say: “at least I am not as bad as that guy!”
There are several problems with the statement including the facts that Francis of Assisi didn’t actually say it and neither does the Bible. (The source of the quote is actually unknown.) Words are of vital importance because the gospel is news and news must be told. Can you imagine a newscast with no words? A newspaper with no words? I understand that our response to the gospel is of great importance…as James says “faith without works is dead.” But I would argue that works without faith are equally useless.
The gospel is news that must be announced. I remember an old seminary professor of mine who used to say that our evangelism should be honest and intelligent. There is much wisdom in this. We must be honest with people about the claims that Christ has made about Himself and our state outside of His grace. The recent Rob Bell book controversy illustrates how trying to remove the more socially unpalatable aspects of the gospel can change the gospel into something else entirely.
We must also be intelligent as well, not reducing the gospel to formulaic works of morality and emotional appeals based on personality. Many people in a so called attempt to share the gospel, actually reveal an unstable faith that can’t deal with honest questions…questions that must be answered with words that reflect our response to what Christ has already done.
Preach the gospel always, it’s necessary to use words!
Romans 10:14 ESV “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?”
Really like this post..and this blog.