MUST WE FIRST EARN THE RIGHT TO BE HEARD?

Many churches argue that before we teach, preach, correct, or evangelize, we have to first earn-the-right-to-be-heard. We can do this by first proving our love through good deeds and friendship. Only then will others be willing to hear us.

Although I do not dismiss this strategy, I don’t think that we need to be limited by it. Jesus certainly wasn’t when He evangelized the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4), or when He corrected the scribes and Pharisees (Matthew 23). We have no indication that Paul ever felt compelled to first establish relationships before he preached at the synagogues. In fact, we never see this advocated as a Biblical strategy. Nevertheless, in all areas of our lives, whether we preach or evangelize, our holy lives have to speak for us.

Nor was Peter led to first establish relationships before he preached his two recorded evangelistic sermons (Acts 2, 3). Why not? Instead, the Bible teaches that the Gospel is what is essential. Why? It is the power of God:

·       For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16; ESV)

Knowing that the true Gospel is rejected, we are liable to feel ashamed of it (2 Timothy 1:8; Mark 8:38). Therefore, we need to constantly remind ourselves that it represents the “power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18, 24) rather than our own strategies.

Nor is it necessary to wait for the right occasions (although on occasion, the Spirit might lead us to do so). Instead, Paul counseled Timothy to preach continually:

·       …preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2)

Consequently, we are also to preach, “reprove, rebuke, and exhort” even when the time or season doesn’t seem like the correct time to do these. In fact, it may never seem like the correct time when we face the prospect of opposition.

It seems that in one sudden outburst, Jesus corrected the churches in the Book of Revelation (chapters 2 and 3) without regard for the right season in which to do this. The Prophets of Israel were often directed to correct Israel at seemingly inopportune times, which often cost them their lives (Matthew 23:34; 21:35; 10:23).

In fact, it seems that we should “always…everywhere” be seeking for opportunities to minister the Word, not only in season:

·       But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere…For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity. (2 Corinthians 2:14-17)

The Word is so central to the purposes of God that it should always be on our tongue:

·       You shall teach them [God’s Words] diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:7-9)

Wherever we go, the Word should go with us. Are we afraid that this will make us seem fanatical? Perhaps, instead, we need to show the world that we are completely sold-out for God. When we hide the light in hope of first forming a caring relationship, it will become increasingly difficult to shift gears. It will also make us seem like hypocrites, as if we had misrepresented our intentions.

Must we always earn the right to first be heard? I think that such a strategy can become oppressive. It can place the focus on ourselves instead of on our Savior where it belongs. In any event, prayer must lead the way.