Post by: D. Lau
We’re all natural evangelists.
It’s why things like Facebook and Twitter and Instagram have been so successful. When we see something beautiful or funny or interesting, we naturally want to share it with other people. It’s why you posted that picture of that dessert from that Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s why you retweeted that ridiculous Ron Artest/Metta World Peace quote. It’s why you updated your status with that awkward moment you just had. It’s why you keep sharing cat videos. It’s this urge we have built into our DNA; it’s the way God meant it to be. We’re all natural evangelists.
I was in New England this past fall, and let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like New England in the fall. Let’s put it this way: if there were an ESPN Top 10 moments on planet Earth, I’d be surprised if a New England fall wasn’t a part of it.
But I was alone during most of that time, and my heart was just bursting out for a chance to enjoy the beauty of all the reds and yellows and oranges with someone else, not because I was lonely but because God created us to share good things with others.
I think the most obvious example of this is when we have a really great meal. I’ve seen lots of people become very passionate about their favorite restaurant or their best meal. They share pictures of it on Facebook/Instagram and are happy to recommend it to their friends any opportunity they get. “Dude, I just had the most awesome burger last night. Let me tell you all about it…”
That’s evangelism.
You experience something really, really good and you can’t wait to tell others about it.
We see this in each of the three parables in Luke 15. After the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son is found, there’s a party and the owner proclaims “Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep/the coin that was lost” (Luke 15:6, 9). And just in case the first two parables weren’t clear enough, Jesus elaborates on the party in the last parable. “‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate” (Luke 15: 22-24). When something good happens, it’s time to party, and parties are more fun when others are there to party with you.
And let’s not get bogged down here with the false dichotomy of “glorifying God” and “sharing with others.” You glorify God by enjoying His good gifts, praising Him, and sharing it with others. It’s why in the Psalms you have “Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised” (48:1, 96:4, 145:3). Don’t miss this. The Psalmist isn’t just declaring God’s greatness to God, he’s actually telling others God is great. And not only is the Psalmist telling others God is great, but the natural outflow of that is to extol others to praise God with him. You can’t contain the joy. The two are inextricably linked.
So come, experience joy with us, and share it with others.
By His Grace,
D. Lau
D. Lau grew up in California, went to school on the East Coast, and worked in Asia, so he’s experienced and seen being Asian American and Christian from very different perspectives. He enjoys good conversations and believes good fellowship should often include food, fun, and friends. Just as likely to be found discussing the finer points of theology as hunting down great street food around the world, D has a passion for seeing the Gospel made known everywhere and experienced more deeply in the everyday.