The Bible used such illustrations as an athlete, a soldier, a farmer and so many other descriptions to depict the diligence, zeal and passion expected from the believer as regards our high calling in Christ Jesus. Little wonder Apostle Paul referred to this high calling as a vocation, a profession (Eph.4:1) better put a heavenly call. Soul winning for the Christian is not optional but a must; He has equipped us with all we need to turn the lost back to his maker.
Looking around us we can see that this heavenly call has been brought to the background as evident in our conversation, lifestyles, experiences and even in our sermons. Christianity for most has become a religion of unlimited comfort; one without restrain, sacrifice, labour or toil. Comfort for a believer can be true to a point because He has called us to His rest (Heb.4:3) and peace, nevertheless there remains this aspect of laboring for the free course of the gospel in our world i.e. winning souls; bible says that “he that winneth souls is wise”. (Prov.11:30)
How then can we be effective in fulfilling this call in a world barged with day to day challenges, demands, struggles, aspirations, targets, desires and needs? We need to take deliberate steps in order to be successful, this include:
Prioritizing– this can be done by sketching out a schedule of one’s activities on a moment by moment basis, then realigning it to place God and his work at the zenith of all other endeavors. This should be done sincerely with a determination to put God’s investment in us to use for his glory.
After this, we need to fashion out ways to fulfill this God-given mandate. A major ingredient to consider is SELF DISCIPLINE.
Self discipline is a long steady course in learning attitudes that do not come naturally and channeling natural appetites towards God’s purpose.
Self discipline requires an honest look at one’s strengths and weaknesses with emphasis on the weaknesses, and then building a will to say NO when a powerful appetite screams yes.
No to sin, No to procrastination, No to laziness, No to ‘prayerlessness’, No to pride, (Titus 2:12). Rather, Yes to obedience to God, Yes to godliness, Yes to a devoted study of God’s word and prayers, Yes to soul winning.
Essential discipline of prayers, bible study and worship equips us to run with vigor and stamina as we train diligently for this task.
Taking a look at the comparisons again, it says just like-
An athlete: we must train hard and follow the rules. Long distance runners work hard to build endurance. On race days their clothes are lightweight and their bodies lean.
A soldier: we have to give up our worldly security, fame, prestige, status, affluence and power; endure vigorous discipline in order to do the master’s will.
A farmer: we must work extremely hard and be patient, we must keep at it despite all odds, putting our eyes on the hope of harvest of souls, the vision of winning and the thought of victory when we eventually see the Lord.
To run and win, we must strip of the excess weight that easily slows us down, drop habits that are encumbrances, possibly change company in order to move with the right crowd.
Others who have run the race before us have won (Heb.12:1), their witness should stir us to run because we know without a shadow of doubt that our labor will surely be rewarded, where no man sees, God is faithful to reward (1Cor.15:58).
Holy and beloved, restructure your life to fully revolve around your real profession, share the gospel with friends, colleagues, family members, relatives, employees and employers as the case may be, every man needs salvation. Kingdom expansion can be achieved through you.
Spot your world with the gospel. Let every man be happy that they crossed your path.