What Closes Your Mouth?

April 29, 2009 by Kelly.

I’m not talking about when it’s full of food; I want to know what prevents you from sharing Christ. I’ve got a few of my own issues, which I’ll share, but I’d love to hear from YOU. What closes your mouth, and keeps you silent when the opportunity to share Christ comes along? Our pastor posed that question during a recent sermon–and it’s a mighty good question, too! Perhaps if I share what closes my mouth, you’ll share what closes yours…

1. Fear -
   • …of saying the wrong thing.
   • …of stuttering.
   • …of being laughed at.
   • …of offending.
2. Assumptions - It’s easy to assume that the person you’re talking to already knows about Christ.
3. Distractions - The phone is ringing; it’s your turn at the check-out counter and there’s a line forming behind you; a child is crying; the list is endless.

The funny thing is, I can get around all of the above issues within five minutes of leaving the person I was interacting with!

Fear of saying the wrong thing. In Luke 12:12, Jesus taught His disciples not to worry about what to say in times like this–the Holy Spirit would put words into their mouths. A quick prayer is all it takes to place God’s words in your mouth.

Fear of stuttering. Yes, I’ve stumbled over words before, but it usually helps to break the ice. The listener sees that I’m human and have faults, just like her. Take a deep breath and stay calm.

Fear of being laughed at. No one likes to feel foolish, but if you are speaking God’s Truth you are wise. Proverbs 29:9 tells us that there will be no rest if you contend with a foolish man. Speak the Truth, and see what reaction you get. If you get no rest, be still and let the Holy Spirit work in their heart.

Fear of offending. Would you rather not offend and let that person suffer in eternity?! This shouldn’t even be on the list, but it often is–”How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14)

Assuming the person already knows about Christ. This is an easy assumption to make, for me at least. The majority of the people whom I come into contact with are already believers. I guess this is stereo-typical of me, and it’s an assumption I need to break.

Distractions that interrupt the conversation. By the time I overcome my fears, and stop assuming, the distractions begin. Is the person on the phone really more important than sharing Christ with someone? When I’m finished at the check-out, would it be so terrible to wait for the person behind me that I was talking to? I can hug my child at the same time I’m talking to someone else–usually that’s what they need, a hug. As long as they’re not bleeding or about to throw up, I should be trying to finish my conversation.

How would you encourage me to get past my issues? Do you have any sage advice? Leave a comment below–perhaps your advice will be just what I need!

Posted in Devotions | No Comments »