We all know that as believers we are to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20), to always be ready to give a defense for the gospel (1 Peter 3:15), and to live holy as an example to the lost (Matthew 5:16). But do we take the opportunity to share the gospel at unlikely times and places?
Ephesians 5:15-16 says, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Do we always make the best use of our time? Do we seek out opportunities to share the gospel? I recently had one of those opportunities at the local gym.
I had just finished my workout and was in the locker room. While I was putting my equipment into my gym bag (and leaving a gospel tract in my vacated locker), I engaged another member who is a believer. We were discussing the aspects of abortion as murder when another gentleman who was listening in asked me, “Why do you say abortion is murder?” Here is the point when we have to “make the best use of the time.” I could have made several comments. I could have said “Because the Bible says so.” That would be a true statement, but is that really seizing an opportunity to share the gospel? Right here, in a locker room, I had a soul asking me a question…a question which has EVERYTHING to do with the gospel.
The young man (who’s name is Darrin) and I began to engage in conversation. I asked him who he believed was the giver of life. He answered, “God, I guess.” I then went on to share that God does indeed hold life and death in His hands and that by taking life (any life) we commit murder. I then went into the Ten Commandments and how breaking any of those commandments (even in thought) is breaking God’s Law. We then went in to Christ’s sacrificial death, resurrection, and our obligation to repent and believe the gospel. Darrin took a tract and told me he would see me in the gym later.
Looking back, I witnessed Ephesians 5:15-16 being fulfilled. I made the best use of the time by using the “evil of the day” (abortion) as a platform to share the gospel. Think about that for a minute. Abortion is the slaughter of innocents. It is mankind living out their total depravity and blatantly breaking the 6th commandment. This means that we, as believers, can field this issue head on and use it as a perfect example of WHY we need salvation and HOW God provided salvation though Jesus.
I think that many times we look at evangelism as preaching the gospel to large groups of people in public. This is Biblical and is definitely “making the best use of our time.” But remember, evangelism does not start and stop when we go out and preach in the open air. Evangelism should be our way of life; anytime, anyplace, anywhere.
Praise God for every opportunity He gives us to share the glorious gospel to lost souls…even if it is one soul at a time!
In His Service,
Eric Madia
