6.03.2011
The Fool Factor
11:27 PM | 
Posted by
Codie Leath
A sucker for inspirational YouTube videos, my mom e-mailed me one of a flash mob singing the Hallelujah chorus over the holiday season. I clicked on it halfheartedly, but was soon struck by the courage of the first singer. A 20-something, attractive and trendy, she blended into the perimeter of the bustling food court, chatting on her cell phone.
On cue, she startled the place with her booming soprano voice, collecting all kinds of rude looks and confused stares. The camera cut over to one table in particular where a lady rolled her eyes in disdain. “Who is this idiot who would discomfort us all by doing something socially awkward?” But when another singer joined her, the crowd immediately recalculated. Could this be planned? Could this be bigger than just one person?
As the third and fourth singers surfaced, all judgment suspended. Reevaluating, the crowd seemed intrigued and curious about this display of social-norm breaking. Expressions of pleasure and privilege emerged on their faces. They realized they were witnessing something bigger than themselves that had been beautifully orchestrated for their enjoyment. They started to sing along, sharing in the camaraderie. By the end, they celebrated the group, applauding the gift they received that afternoon in the food court.
Is not evangelism just like this? Do we not feel like an idiot when we’re the first to speak the gospel to a lost friend, or to a group of non-Christians? Is it not an extremely lonely place to be? What would motivate us to go first? What motivated that singer to sing the first line? I would guess three factors:
- She belonged to a team. She would not stand alone very long. As soon as the second singer joined the chorus, the audience started to change their mind. Team is a powerful force that brings much confidence. As Christians, it is important to expose our lost friends to other believers. It brings credibility to our message when they see we are not the only “crazy” ones. As often as you can, have other Christians join your conversation to share how Christ is changing their life.
- She knew they’d love it in the end. She probably had the assurance that the crowd would applaud at the end. I’ve yet to see a group be booed out of the subway or food court. The Bible is packed full of verses that give believers the same assurance. Phil. 2:10-11 says every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Rev. 7:9-10 describes a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language worshiping Christ at the end of time. Knowing what the end holds, we can bear a few moments of painful rejection here on earth.
- She had her sister on the phone. The article explained she had her sister on the phone the entire time. I’m sure this was for moral support. How can this not remind us of our always open line to our Heavenly Father? As a believer in Jesus, you actually will never have to stand alone. You are always in the company of God Almighty. Psalm 91:1 says “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” Sharing your faith is obeying God’s will for your life which certainly falls under the category of dwelling in the shelter of the Most High.
For me, the hardest part of evangelism is the initial break in. I don’t like making people feel uncomfortable. Putting others on the spot is not fun for me. I would love for my lost friends to ask, “Codie, I’m confused about the Bible. Will you explain it to me?” or “What is God like? I’ve always wondered.” or “Why are you so joyful and secure?”
But few ever ask these things.
I’ve never had anyone ask me any of those questions.
So you have to bring it up. You have to break the social norm.
If you want to be an evangelist, you’ve got to accept the fool factor. It’s part of following Christ. But just know - you aren’t a fool; God knows it and everyone else will see it eventually. And in being a fool for Christ, you put yourself in play and may actually win someone to Christ. If you never have, it’s the epitome of feeling useful and definitely worth hours of rejection. And think about the alternative for them if you never speak up…
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3 comments:
Love this post, Codie. Especially loved your pointing out the fact that most not-yet-believers never do ask the questions we long to share the answers to. Thanks for the encouragement to step out in boldness.
Wow Codie....what a fantastic illustration of the strange and wonderful privilege of sharing Christ! I love the tie in of "team" b/c God is gracious in giving us that support. It's easy to get overwhelmed by the fool factor and forget that we're not alone. Thanks for a great read! :)
Loved it!!!
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