Do You Really Believe?

"The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also." 

2Timothy 2: 2 

Several years ago, someone gave me the book,  MAN IN THE MIRROR, by Patrick Morley. It made a deep impression in my life, so much so, that I have made it a part of my life to return the blessing by giving that book to other men I meet in my journey.  That step has opened up conversations and relationships with many new friends. Of course, not everyone received it with outward appreciation, but that was okay. Giving out this book was a way that I could make available the message of Christ in a non threatening way for me. I have received many times over a sincere appreciation for the gift.  On one occasion, I gave a book to someone after I had finished building their house. There was no immediate response, but three years later, he gave me a call and stated that the book had sat on his bedside table all this time with out him ever opening it. He relayed how he had read it that week, and he called to thank me for it was changing his life.

 We have stated that we are to honor God in all that we do. We have also stated that the marketplace is a sacred place where God is present and where the opportunity exist for us to meet and fellowship with Him. If we believe, however, the idea that business is business and church is church, then we cannot believe that the marketplace is a sacred place. This idea presents a major crossroad in our life. For if God created the marketplace, if He is in the marketplace, then it is sacred and as a result. creates the question - How do we fulfill our responsibility in the marketplace?

One of our basic principles is that we are to represent the Kingdom of God in all we do. One of the ways we can do this is to be willing to share the gospel with others when the opportunity presents itself. 1 Peter 3: 15 tells us; "but in your hearts, set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who ask you to give a reason for the hope that is in you. But do this with gentleness and respect." 

Notice the prerequisites before we can share. First, Christ has to be in our hearts as Lord. That means He is top priority, in charge, owns everything, and all we do is to honor Him.  To share we must be prepared, spending time in God's word, getting to know Him on a personal basis, and using our experiences in how He has worked in our life. As a result of these, we have a hope in our hearts that overcomes all the rubbish that tends to clog up our lives each day.

Part of sharing the gospel is to share from the blessings God has provided. We can share our time and talents by giving our experiences and assistance to His work. "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others." (1 Peter 4; 10) We can also share a part of the material success and blessings that God has provided. God provides us the opportunity to work and meet our own personal needs. He also provides more than our needs and bestows an abundance to all of us. What would we have if we did not receive it from Him? "But just as you excel in everything in faith, speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us, see that you also excel in the grace of giving." (2 Corinthians 8; 7)  

Representing God in the marketplace is a serious commitment. There are many  who represent this principle to the fullest. We just have to believe that God can use each one of us in our own way.