Many times over the centuries, earnest Christians have run out into the world to aggressively and passionately share Jesus, and the world doesn’t always want to hear it. 

 

John 15:19 says, “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own and as it is you don’t belong to the world. But I have chosen you out of the world, and that is why the world hates you.” 

 

And this is a hard truth. It’s discouraging to missionaries at home and in other countries who want nothing more than to see everyone saved. The Bible even tells us that God wants all people to be saved, and that’s the goal. Yet we know that’ll never be. 

 

Jesus brought life-giving truth to the masses in His day. Some of them tried to kill Him, and of course, some were eager to see Him crucified. His reminder to us was that if we have the mind of Christ and the modern world, things might get dicey for us. It’s not like hoards of people are beating down the doors of churches so that they can hear and believe. 

 

In this fallen and sinful state, man runs from the things of God. Both the Bible and history document this. In Roman times, the empire hunted Christians. They were even fed to wild animals for sport, and it’s been that way all through the modern era. Remember the photos in recent years of ISIS terrorists escorting captured Christians to their executions? Pagan mind fights against God. 

 

Knowing these things, we must resolve to ask God for courage to speak when opportunities present themselves. We also must keep in mind that boldness for Christ will cost us something. Maybe everything. 

 

God and His Word also assures us that some are being saved. Kingdom is being added to daily, and this reality is enough for us to continue to be salt and light in a dark world. 

 

Let’s pray. 

 

Father God, we ask you earnestly—send your spirit to people who need to hear Your Word. Help us to be willing to share Christ even when it’s dangerous or uncomfortable. In Jesus’ name, amen.