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“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

Have you been thinking about your calling as an everyday evangelist? I sure have. Even though I’ve been a follower of Jesus Christ for over 25 years, my go-to line (um, excuse) has been, “Well, I don’t have the gift of evangelism.” Yes, I stand firm on my faith. I love God’s Word and I walk in the direction of obedience—repenting when I miss the mark (because I do daily). Shining my light for God’s glory is my thing (Matthew 5:16). I know the reason for my hope (1 Peter 3:15)—I was blind, and now I see. I was dead, and now I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). I have my testimony and the Gospel tattooed on my body for everyone to see, for goodness’ sake! But to weave all this Truth into words during a video call with coworkers? To find openings in daily conversation with acquaintances to share the Good News? Well, that’s a different story.

No matter when our respective surrendering to Jesus happened, we are called to evangelize. We don’t need a theology degree or be able to quote verse and address at will. And we certainly don’t need to have all the answers. We have OUR STORY—our reason for hope: We used to live like the world, but we encountered the Living God and were changed. As my pastor says, “We’ve been hit by the grace train, and nothing is the same.” So, you and I can do this thing.

So, what does everyday evangelism look like for those of us less bold than the Apostle Paul—or even my friend Wendy? Let me explain what it could be by sharing a very recent example from my own life.

There’s a new guy working the overnight shift at my gym, so his last hours coincide with my early-morning workout time. Having introduced ourselves just after he started, we chat a little as I’m on my way in and out. He’s a sweet guy, and I’ve learned that he works 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. at the gym, and he’s currently pursuing a degree in cybersecurity. Well, as I was leaving the gym the other day, I gave him my usual, “Have an awesome day, Shariff!” But instead of him responding, “You too, Julianne,” he made a comment to me that was a literal softball opening—like the Lord said, “Ok, girl, heeeeeeeere you go!” Shariff said to me, “Julianne, you have such a great smile—a joy that flows right out of you.” To this, I boldly responded, “Shariff—that’s the joy of the Lord! See, I was dead! Now I’m alive with Christ—and He has changed everything for me.”

But that’s not what I said. What I actually said was something deflective and dumb, like, “Well, aren’t most of us early-rising-gym-goers happy and friendly?” And as soon as I walked out the door, I did the proverbial forehead slap of regret. I had missed a perfect (and easy) opportunity to share the reason for my hope and joy!

Friend, everyday evangelism can be simple. It’s a matter of being cognizant of these little moments as we walk through our days—at work, at the store, and, yes, at the gym. And because we have the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit living in us, it can be easy too! But we have to stay yielded to Him and ask for His help to loose our tongue. So, today, let’s do this. Let’s walk through the wide-open doors the Lord provides so that we can take up the torch of our Great Commission.

“Lord, I am not ashamed of the Gospel or You. So, make me bold in the everyday moments of my day to give the reason for my hope.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life