As a Christian, many feel they have a calling to serve God but don’t even know where to start. Deep down, they want to spread the good news of Christ, yet they have no idea where or how to begin. However, many fail to realise that the very thing they are looking for is often right before their eyes — the people they want to preach to, the platform from which to reach out, and the support of their local church.
In this era, going out to meet people face-to-face may not always be as effective or fast as reaching thousands online, even anonymously. This approach has both advantages and disadvantages. But I want to remind you that we as Christians are called to be the light of the world. If even the light is put out, how can we help save the rest of the world?
The call Christ gave us is to be light to all those around us — like a lighthouse on a hill. Light exists to help people see in the darkness, and so are you meant to be for those around you: a symbol of hope. Many among us are lost and have no sense of direction, just as you once were before coming to Christ. This includes your non-believing friends, family, and neighbours.
Start Where You Are
To those who are waiting for God to “send” them somewhere special, look at the bigger picture. Can a child be given meat for lunch when they cannot yet chew solid food on their own? (This isn’t really about food.)
Instead of waiting for some supernatural blessing or dramatic encounter before you start serving God, begin right where you are — in your neighbourhood, your classroom, or your family. Be the light and start manifesting Christ in your everyday life. Many around us are lost and don’t even know where their lives are heading. You yourself may feel lost at times, but by the power of the Holy Spirit you can be transformed. The very place you live is more than enough for you to create the change you deeply wish to see. By doing so, you will be recognised for your faithfulness and may eventually be entrusted with greater influence and more people.
The Parable of the Faithful Servant
Just like the parable of the talents: the servant who used what his master had already given him and doubled it was rewarded even more. In contrast, the servant who hid his one talent in the ground and made no progress ended up losing even the little he had.
There are many among us like this. They aspire to preach on big national or international platforms, yet they won’t even pray for a neighbour going through a hard time. How can you ask for meat when you can’t yet handle mashed potatoes?
Do not assume that because you know people personally, you cannot share the gospel with them. People are going through so much, and even a small ray of hope can make all the difference. If you want to help save a city, start by helping one relative come to Christ. If you want to create big change, begin with a few small changes that will eventually grow into the greater impact you desire.
The Harvest Is Plentiful
As for the people who still need to be saved — there are far too many. Yes, there are still people who do not know who Christ is. That is why Jesus said to His disciples:
“Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”
We do not start at the top. We start somewhere — and that “somewhere” does not have to be dramatic or special. It is right where you live, where you study, or on the bus you take every day. There you can begin to share the gospel, pray for those who need healing, and offer the good news to those who have lost hope. This is where the greatness you so earnestly pray and aspire for truly begins.
