Evangelism 8, The Two Hands of Outreach
Last time I mentioned a serious risk in our evangelism outreach activities. It is a challenge that needs careful attention, so I want to discuss it some more. As with all ministries that seek to reach and serve, it really can be a serious trap that our attention will not be balanced between the two components:
- The mission to take the gospel to all peoples
- The missions of mercy and service
My favorite way to look at this is to consider it like the work of two hands together. Our right hand works to deliver the message of Christ. Our left hand labors to serve people (this can be on many social platforms of service). The critical point is that we must always see that the power is in how the two hands work dynamically together. Sometimes the left hand must lead. That is fine. But we must never forget that the right hand is essential. Truth be known, the right hand, the work of sharing the gospel, is the reason for our labors. On the eternal timeline, our missions to serve people's needs and pain are useless unless we also serve their spiritual needs for Christ in their lives.
You may think this is common sense. However, I think it was the American author, Mark Twain, that once said, "The only problem with common sense – it's not that common." He was correct. Major Christian relief and service organizations are realizing that they have lost ground in their "Christian witness" as they have fought and labored valiantly to serve sources of people's physical pain. Fortunately some are recognizing this now, and beginning to make corrections.
The two hands working together for the glory of God is the goal. Serving in communities can be a powerful "left hand," which then enables the saving work of the Holy Spirit through the work of the "right hand" – the redemptive power of Christ.
We must never, never forget the Christian witness in our work
Blessings and thanks,
Larry
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