Seeing Souls

I believe most Christians understand what evangelism is. We wouldn’t be Christians if someone hadn’t evangelized us. I also believe most Christians understand that evangelism is a duty commanded by our Lord Jesus that must be executed by each of His disciples (Matthew 28:19,20). We understand that it is communicating the Gospel message, that Good News about the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). We understand that it is about saving one from the condemnation of sin, to the glory of eternal life (Matthew 25:46; Romans 6:23). However, do we all truly understand that the Gospel is for every single person? Do we honestly want to see everyone saved? I’m sure your answer is, “Yes!” at this moment, especially if you are genuinely concerned about evangelizing the lost.

Nevertheless, even the most dedicated evangelist can lose sight of the objective, if they aren’t careful. Think about this, when someone on the road cuts you off, rather abruptly and rudely in traffic, do you suddenly think to yourself, “I need to evangelize that poor soul!” Or, do you get upset and focus on their worldly actions, instead of their spiritual needs? Most of us will get upset. What about your next-door neighbors? How many times have you waved, smiled, or even greeted them over the years, but have never invited them to church? Aren’t you concerned about their soul just as much as any other? How about the girl at the checkout counter you see every other day? The boy who changes your oil at the garage? The mailman? Your hairdresser? Your waitress? Your _______ … this list is almost endless. Are we truly concerned about all those people’s souls? If so, then why aren’t we talking to them about Jesus?

The trouble with fulfilling the Great Commission is this, although it is a Christian’s duty, many often feel it is only that, a duty and nothing more. We don’t seem to sense the urgency to rescue those around us. We don’t genuinely see their souls in danger. Most often, it’s because we are not be thinking about their souls! Brethren, we need to train ourselves to always see souls! Paul wrote that “There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil,” (Romans 2:9) Every soul. This implies that we must warn people about that danger! Paul goes on to say, “but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For there is no partiality with God.” (Romans 2:10-11). Everyone means every single soul. It doesn’t matter what their socio-economic status is, what their religious background is, or what their political affiliation is, there is no picking and choosing, no bias is to be considered. We must simply see everyone’s soul as one that is in need of being saved!

I need to improve this area of my life. I’m going to start focusing more on seeing souls everywhere. I’m going to make an effort to start a religious conversation with everyone I meet, somehow, someway. That’s what Jesus expects of me and I’m running out of time. How about you? Will you start seeing souls? – TS