Paul declared, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16 NIV). He considered himself obligated to share his faith to everyone, both to the wise and foolish (v. 14). And therefore he was eager to preach the gospel. One another occasion he wrote, “Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:16 NIV)! That was Paul. What about you and me? Is our attitude towards the sharing of gospel something similar to Paul?
Remember the gospel or good news is to be shared. The story of the four lepers who got great spoil in the enemy camp illustrates this well. They began to hide the spoil they got. But then they said to each other, “We’re not doing right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves. If we wait until daylight, punishment will overtake us. Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace” (2 Kings 7:9 NIV). Similarly it should be with us. We haven been given the good news. There should be a great urgency found in us to share it.
Some people nevertheless think it a waste of time and energy spent in seeking to save the souls of men. But the Bible says that Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost (Luke 19:10). In seeking the lost we are simply following in His steps and sharing His heart’s concern. Further the Word of God says that “he who wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30b). About this wisdom, Daniel was given understanding: “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever” (Daniel 12:3 NIV). Will you be someone who, for the sake of the gospel, is willing to lead people to righteousness?
Finally, let us focus on the call that Jesus gave to His first disciples. They were fishing when He called them. He said, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). Yes, following Jesus makes you a fisher of men. If you’re thinking that you are following Jesus, then ask yourself what’s the effort you’re taking to share the gospel with others? If you’re not doing so, you cannot claim to follow Jesus.
Fishing involves great preparation, it involves long toil and it involves repeatedly going for the task. It is no easy matter. It is clear that we cannot be fishers of men in our own strength. That is why Jesus promised His Holy Spirit. When He comes into your heart, you’ll receive power to share the gospel with others (Acts 1:8). Some might not give you a listening ear, some others might laugh at you. In many places, you’ll face persecution. But the gospel is to be shared. And God is looking to you to do it.