Many years ago, I called myself a Closet-Case-Christian, and it was true. First, I was NOT saved but living like I was - very religious, very upright, and what appeared to be very faithful. But, I didn't know the Gospel (at all) and had almost ZERO knowledge of the Bible except what I had heard in my youth as a Catholic. This kept me from ever being able to share the "Good News" with unbelievers (such as myself - good grief!) as well as having an almost shyness/shameful attitude that I knew wasn't right.
Spending many years unsure of salvation was agonizing. I'd have glimpses of it (willed by my thoughts) but no sustaining power that comes from God's Spirit. My days were spent thinking about the verses I finally started reading. That's what brought about the knowledge of a very hard way through the narrow gate. "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many." Matthew 7:13.
24 years later, I was saved. I'll never forget just having an assurance, over time, never experienced before. What was the missing component? The Holy Spirit, "baptism of" that is, and now He was present and living in me. Jesus' work on the cross assures believers that IF we're truly born-again (with water and Spirit) we'll see heaven. The differing perspectives of what "water and Spirit" together mean will be addressed in a later blog post. But for now, the born-again experience, as referenced in John 3:5 is an incredible reason to rejoice and praise the LORD for salvation! Here's what Jesus said to the pharisee Nicodemus, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
Then after our salvation, we're told, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20.
Being in a closet with the Gospel is the LAST thing Jesus wants us to do when it comes to sharing.
Now the other reason for this post.
I once heard a friend tell me how she shares the Gospel. She said, "When I'm gardening in my little yard at my apartment, I have things that show people I'm a Christian." That really compelled me to ask, "How so?" She said, "There's a large rock that stands for Jesus who is the Rock of our Salvation. Then the palm tree on the side of the balcony reminds me of the palms that were waived towards Jesus as He entered Jerusalem (Triumphal Entry). Then, there's evidence of God because He's the one who created all the flowers."
As I pondered every element in her garden that clearly (a-hem) pointed to the Gospel, I realized she had shame in sharing it with her neighbors. A few months before, I heard her say, "I don't like it when people are pushy with it." Well, in agreement with her statement, I don't either.
When folks get "pushy" or too assertive, it tells me that once they've been instrumental in planting the "seed" of God's Word, they're not trusting Him to give the increase. I'm 100% guilty of not letting go so God can do the actual work. However, there's also that part of wanting to encourage unsaved people to continue to seek the LORD with their entire hearts.
When we walk the razor's edge of being PUSHY vs. encouraging, do a heart check and pray about it. Confess that lack of trust, and ask God to help. Remember, there can be Biblical reasons why someone isn't hearing or seeing the truth.
The Bible states, "In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God." 2 Corinthians 4:4. Unfortunately, the Enemy is a very real and problematic challenge that believers face when sharing the Gospel. There are many other reasons a person can be obstinate. And, only God truly knows the hearts of believers as well as unbelievers.
But, if we're staying in that proverbial "closet," there will never be a single chance to go to God for help nor are we acting out our faith by spreading the GOOD NEWS. Remember Jesus' love and work on the cross for sinners like us. He sacrificed His life so we could be FREE. This should send a bolt up our spines and through our hearts to get us out of that closet! Keep on sharing the Gospel, and always keep the Great Commission in your heart.
Great Commission: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19.
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