Those of us who are Christian have an obligation to share the Christian way of living with others. Easier said than done, or is it? Let me make some suggestions. The first is to faithfully live the Christian faith yourself. While most of us already do that, there is always room for improvement. St. Paul was ready to admit that he had to struggle with himself to do the right thing. Michael Jackson sang something similar to, “I’m starting with the man in the mirror. I’m helping him to change his ways. If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change.”
Beyond that, the next step is to take advice of the Eucharistic Revival idea, “Walk With One”. In this program they share four steps to sharing the faith. The first is to ask the Holy Spirit to show you a person to pray for. Be open and not limited. God may want to pray for a non-believer or someone you go to church with. When I asked who I should pray for, family members came to mind. Go figure! Then, pray everyday for that person, asking Jesus to be the Lord, Savior and Center of their lives. A third step is to spend time with that person, waiting patiently for the opportunity to talk about what God means to you. Love that person and if the opportunity never arises to discuss faith, it’s ok. Let it be. But if they ask, don’t be shy.
The fourth step, if it gets that far, is to invite that person to attend a service with you, help out at a church function, a Bible study, or other faith formation program. Better yet, be patient. Let them take the lead. Remember, Jesus does the inviting and calling, not you! When I was in college the first time, I would go to St. Mary’s at CMU late in the evening to pray. My room mates asked where I went at night, so I told them. By the end of the semester, the three of them went, too. It just happened.
Chances are that the person Jesus asks you to pray for will be someone you already know and have a loving relationship with. They could be a friend, family member, spouse, co-worker, or fishing buddy. We all know how to pray for them, but do we? It always amazes me how someone’s faith grows when you pray for them. The sharing of faith naturally flows out of prayer. When Jesus wants us to share our faith, he will give us the opportunity. It just happens.
We always need to remember that God does the inviting. It is his work. He invites and he calls. Our job is to respond in what ever way he is leading us. So I ask, which person or persons is the Holy Spirit showing you to pray for? Pray everyday for them. I this way become an instrument, used by God, for their growth in faith. Remember, praying for them is the most important part-everyday. Then let God do his thing.
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.”
