Excuses, Excuses

Recently, many Christians went to New Orleans to proclaim the Gospel to the Super Bowl XLVII and Mardi Gras crowds. Sports Fan Outreach International puts on this yearly event and draws seasoned veterans as well as first-timers to Biblical Evangelism. In fact, the last count I remember was 112 participants... 112 evangelists and missionaries going up against thousands upon thousands of lost people. "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2).

From functionalnerds.com

Where are the laborers? Why do so many profess Christ but so few proclaim Him?

Some say that it’s because they’re afraid of what others will say or do… “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

Some say they don’t have the time… “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Some claim to not know what to say… “Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (Mark 1:14-15).

Some say just live a good life… “How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching” (Romans 10:14)?

Some say it’s not their job or their calling… “And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15).

Richard Story is an example of one man that was unwilling to make an excuse when he very well could have. He was part of the Super Bowl Outreach this year and preached open-air for the first time ever. This video shows Richard on the box with Tony Miano and Brad Snow on either side of him. While he preached, they held him up… because Richard is normally confined to a wheelchair. He made no excuses when it came time to fulfill the Great Commission.

So what’s your excuse? Why do you say you can’t share your faith? Remember that there was once a time when someone was willing to share their faith with you. Maybe instead of asking for your excuse, you could just finish the following sentence:

“I’m willing to let someone burn forever in the Lake of Fire because…”