Recently I preached on the passage in Matthew 10:16-25. The focus was on the RISK of sharing the Gospel. Our “risk” here in the U.S. is anxiety that people may not like us. They may not respond the way WE want…

We think there is a hostility when we lose perspective that true hostility toward Christians goes on all over the world. Nigerian Christian children have been killed in the last two months. A friend shares that his work in a sensitive area of the world is yielding spiritual fruit, but a man who wants to follow Christ is now at risk because his wife’s family has discovered his Christianity.

I think of friends who in years past had to get out of the country’s where they were serving in less that 48 hours or they would be arrested… for being Christians.

There is a risk. Even in America. Even if that risk is simply our fear of being rejected.

I think back to seminary and my theology professor expounding on Martin Luther’s essay, “The Freedom of the Christian.” She would say Luther’s point is that the heart set free by the gospel is a hear that truly loves. It is not bound by manipulation or coercion. It is a life that speaks the truth in love.

What does that look like?

In worship it is truly loving God and worshiping him for who he is. We are free from manipulation. And we can be guilty of manipulation in worship!

“Lord, I’ve worshiped you! I’ve asked you this request and STILL you are silent!”

The freedom of the Christian is also found in loving our neighbor. We don’t love to manipulate them into the Kingdom. We don’t love to manipulate “proper behavior” out of them. We don’t hold back because we fear their response.

We want kingdom blessing in their lives so we come with truth in love and leave the rest up to the Spirit.

It is a risk. It is being vulnerable.

The command of Jesus isn’t to “go and do witnessing.” It is to go and be his witnesses.

Let the light and love of the Kingdom flow through you. Let Kingdom goodness flow and then let the Spirit do the rest.

Risk living out the gospel.