Do I have to evangelize?

This is a question that many of us ask ourselves, and it's understandable. As a committed disciple I still ask myself this question. After all, evangelization can sometimes seem like a daunting task or something we don’t feel “good at”. For us introverts evangelization could feel like something we’re just not naturally good at. It's easy to feel like it's something that we have to do out of obligation or duty rather than something that we get to do.

So how do we shift from obligation to a way of life? By shifting our focus.  

In evangelization we often focus on the tasks, obstacles, hesitancies, and negative outcomes.

What will I say? 

Will they listen to me? 

What if they say no and I lose a friend?

Even when we know that this isn’t what evangelization is about, these fears are still real. So instead of forcing the fear out, here are a few areas to focus on to help shift your perspective:

Evangelization is a greenhouse for growth in holiness.

Let’s not see holiness and mission as separate. St John Paul II said, "Faith is strengthened when it is given to others." Helping others discover Jesus will have you on your knees, clarify your own faith values, and strengthen your own convictions. 

Friendships vs. outcomes or seeing the other person as a project.

Evangelization is not about converting someone to our way of thinking. It’s about introducing them to a person - Jesus Christ - who can change their life. Our focus is on genuinely loving someone well like taking the time to listen to their stories, and understanding their struggles. It’s through friendship that we can show them the love of Christ through our actions, then introduce them to Jesus.

Walk the walk first. 

Proclaiming the gospel is telling people there is something better in this way of life. But are we living it out? Is there proof in what we’re telling people out? 

Our day to day lives and our actions should look different from the world’s. Without intentional reflection and action we may find ourselves conforming to worldly values. Romans 12:2 reminds us “do not be conformed to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”  An authentic witness should be attractive and irresistible. Living as a disciple of Jesus offers meaning and purpose that the world is often searching for. It should lead others to ask “why do they live that way?” in the most positive sense of the question.

What might be possible for God rather than the obstacles?
As St. Paul writes, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). What God can do and wants to do far exceeds even the very best outcome we can imagine for those in those close to us but far from Jesus. This way of thinking can lead us to intercede with great expectation and a fruit of this is patience and boldness. Patience knowing that God has a great plan and boldness knowing that God can move.

Jesus does the work, not us.

We’re not always going to have the answer to questions raised. And that’s ok. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. When others are encountered by Jesus their lives are transformed. When we encounter Jesus our lives are transformed. The more we encounter Jesus the more evangelization will come from the heart, not just as a responsibility we must fulfill. 

So now, which of these areas would you like to focus on? How might you take a step towards living evangelization as a privilege and joy?