He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

Mark 16:15

Jesus' great commission was that His disciples were to preach the good news about the Kingdom of Heaven to all of creation. All of us who are believers in Christ, are also His disciples. By the words of Jesus himself, we are called to preach the gospel to all who do not know the truth.

Proclaiming the gospel may not be an easy task. It leaves us open to disappointment, embarrassment and ridicule, but it is our calling. I was recently challenged by a statement from the outspoken street evangelist Ray Comfort that went something like this:

"Would you witness more often if you were paid a thousand dollars each time?"

Think about it. Would you?

I know I would. It's obvious what that tells me. I would put the love of money before the fear of God. This life is temporary - God's Kingdom is everlasting. Any joy from possessions gained or hurt felt from the rejection of our peers, will be gone before we know it, but the bliss that will come from obeying our Lord's calling for our lives will be felt for eternity.

This thought puts things in perspective for me. Although it may not help my fear of speaking to strangers about my faith, it does motivate me into wanting to put my faith into action regardless of my fears.

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16