An interesting survey was recently done by the Barna Group. They asked young people to share what kind of perceptions came to mind when the word ’Christianity’ was mentioned. The top three observations that came to mind about Christians were: anti-homosexual, judgmental, and hypocritical. That’s pretty sad, isn’t it?

Now, I’m not saying that all Christians exhibit these kinds of attitudes. But it’s important to realize that there’s a reason many people have very negative perceptions of Christianity. That’s why I believe each one of us should examine our own hearts and minds in light of this topic.

We need to remember that we’re all sinners. Even the apostle Paul said in First Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst!” You and I don’t need to point out people’s sins to them – that’s the Holy Spirit’s job!

Think about how Jesus treated the lost. He loved people right where they were at. And because of that, sinners’ lives were changed. They believed. They wanted to follow the Lord.

Christ’s perfect balance of love, grace, and truth is a great example for us all to follow.

Galatians 2:20 is one of my absolute favorite verses. “I have been crucified with Christ,” the apostle Paul says, “and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God…” Notice how plainly Paul puts it: Christ lives in me. Do you realize the magnitude of that reality?

The power of Jesus flows through you and me – every moment of every day – touching people everywhere we go.

In fact, even when you’re not aware that’s Jesus is working, He’s still at work. Sometimes the best evangelism results come when you don’t think you’re being used. You walk into a situation, do what you’re supposed to do, and suddenly things begin to happen. It’s so exciting!

Jesus can work through you anywhere you go – at the office, at the club, in the neighborhood. Just be yourself in Christ and people will notice something different. It’s really that simple. You don’t have to put on an act. You don’t have to pretend that you’re a Christian. You are one! Jesus Christ is alive in you today!

So, as you walk with God today, remember that He’s working through – right now! Let the truth of that sink in! May it motivate you to continue reaching your world for Jesus Christ.

When you labor on something, you get tired. Think about it. You wash the car, and afterwards you need a rest. You tackle your wife’s “Honey Do” list, and afterwards you need a break. You put in a full day at the office, and afterwards you need to relax.

Our laboring takes energy! But what about laboring for God? Does it take MORE energy because it’s “spiritual work?” How are we to go about the “unfinished task” of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ … without burning out?

The Bible says in Galatians, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Imagine that! It goes on to say, “The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

That is good news. That means that our labor in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ is energizing! Christ lives within us. He gives us all the fuel we need to share His love and Good News. If you are tired today, ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit. And may that be MORE than enough as we press on in this unfinished task of winning the world to Jesus Christ.

The unfinished task is the task of winning the world to Jesus Christ. This is the one job that will never be finished – no matter how hard or how long we work. For you workaholics listening, that is good news! We will always have work to do!

But, even though there will always be people who need to hear about Jesus Christ, don’t be discouraged. Let that fact make your resolve to share your faith even stronger! Remember what it says in Timothy? “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” I think this power, love, and self-discipline is holy boldness. Boldness to tell our world about Christ.

Are you willing to be filled with holy boldness? Do you sense the urgency of our unfinished task?

Make yourself available to share God’s Good News with others. He will honor you. As a worker in God’s harvest, filled with holy boldness, you will not be disappointed. Winning the world to Jesus Christ is an enormous task. But, let’s not give up. Let’s press on together.