Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. – Acts 20:26-27
As Paul prepared to leave the Ephesian elders, knowing that he would most likely never see them again, he openly stated his belief that he had done everything God had asked of him where it involved their church. What a declaration! If only I were able to make such a bold claim in those places where I have served.
Wherever we find ourselves today, be assured God has sovereignly put us there and the primary purpose of our existence is to reflect the light of Jesus. Yet, in the life of every true Christ-follower there will be moments when we fail to tell another what they need to hear from the Lord. These moments should be rare, but they probably aren't. We remain silent. We miss our opportunities and wonder why we did not speak. In spite of the inadequacy we may feel, like Paul we must daily renew our commitment to “proclaim the whole will of God” when able.
Here is an encouraging thought. If we are willing to be available, God will place in our path those who need to hear the gospel as well as those who already believe, but need biblical counsel. We just need to be sure that we remain in God’s Word, so that we have the best answers when asked. You will never be everything you think you must be to be used of God! Thankfully, it’s not about us, rather it is only about Him, Jesus our Savior.
Let’s not shrink back from the task before us. It is not our life at stake, it is theirs, though tomorrow it may indeed be our own.
Only once did God choose a completely sinless preacher. – Alexander Whyte
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