Sharing The Story

I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the final report. The tale had grown, and the details were altered.

You've probably played the game. Everyone sits in a circle, and the first person tells something to the next individual. The story is repeated until it travels full circle with the last person telling the entire group. Inevitably, it will vary from the original, which explains why in life we often alter details or get them incorrect — and not necessarily on purpose.

But one story never changes and shouldn't be altered. Paul told Titus, "You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them" (Titus 2:15a NLT). The "things" were the teachings of Scripture.

God's story has been identical since humanity's initial rebellion: He loves and forgives. In the distant Garden of Eden, He informed the serpent that one of Eve's descendants would deliver a lethal blow to his head. He made good on His word by allowing Jesus to die for our sins and then by victoriously resurrecting Him. From the beginning, believers have shared the story.

Sharing should be done sincerely, because we honestly love people and want them to experience God's love and forgiveness. We can do it boldly, because the message contains God's power to change our lives from the hopeless, disappointing messes they are without God. Sharing should be executed regularly, because our world is populated with people who urgently need God's love and guidance. And we must deliver it uncompromisingly. The message of the cross isn't always popular, but it can't be watered down or altered. There's no other avenue of forgiveness and no other boulevard to heaven. But when accepted, the story will change a life like nothing else. Who do you know who needs to hear your story?

Prayer: Merciful Lord, lover of our souls, we thank You for telling us the story of Your forgiveness and for removing all our sins. Burden us with a desire to share this story with those who need to hear. Amen.