The Gospel: an option or obligation?

This is a blog post from my friend Kevin Connell at http://www.hiimkevin.com/

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A few days ago I was reading Romans and came across a verse I’ve read many times. This time it wouldn’t let me go.

For I have a great sense of OBLIGATION to people in BOTH the civilized world and the rest of the world, to the educated AND uneducated alike. For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving EVERYONE who believes…” (Romans 1:14,16 – NLT)

No matter whom you come across today, in light of the gospel, you’re obligated to them.

Obligated.

Why don’t we have a sense of obligation like Paul did?

· Maybe we see ourselves as better than them. (Paul’s perspective was different. He labeled himself as the worst of sinners.)

· Maybe we are ashamed of the Gospel

· Maybe we’d rather serve them than verbally share with them (see Romans 10:14)

· Maybe we are fearful or lazy

· Maybe we don’t believe it really does have the power to change lives

Maybe you believed it a long time ago, but have since then lost your passion about it. If we don’t believe it, why should anyone else? We don’t need to pray for an opportunity today, we need to pray for boldness, conviction, and a broken heart for those who don’t know God.

It’s not an option, it’s an obligation.