Friday
…that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. (I John 1:3 ESV)
Fear Not… Then Proclaim
I am not a good car salesman. I point out the faults in my vehicle, when a prospective buyer comes to look. I answer questions with answers that hurt my chances of selling my car. In a way, it can be said that my goal of honesty outweighs my goal of profit. And that’s probably not a bad thing.
“Successful” car salesmen need to keep the sale in the forefront of their mind. Every word they utter, every facial expression they express, every connection they make, needs to be done with the idea of selling that car.
John reminds us of a Christian’s goal… bringing others into fellowship with God. John has described his life with Jesus to others for that purpose: to bring others into fellowship with God. John enthusiastically (‘proclaim’ is so much more than mere speaking!) has interacted with his audience for that purpose: to bring others into fellowship with God. John does everything, in fact, for that purpose: to bring others into fellowship with God.
I’m not so sure I can say that, yet. Certainly, that is why I write here. Certainly, that is why I preach sermons. Certainly, that is why I offer hope in counselling… but I have too many other goals weighing me down, pulling me away from that goal.
Tomorrow, though, I will try again. I’ll focus my memory on what Jesus has said in His word, and has done throughout history, and has worked into my life, so that I will recall the goal. To increase others’ fellowship with God.
That’s not a bad thing…
Fear not, then proclaim.