JUST DO IT. THE LIFE-CHANGING POWER OF SIMPLY SHARING THE GOSPEL.
On July 1, 1988, Nike, the American athletic footwear and apparel corporation, readied to launch its most iconic advertising campaign "Just Do It," which would eventually propel the company to global dominance. At that time, Nike sought something both universal and intensely personal that would call all Americans—regardless of age, gender, or physical fitness level—to actively participate in sport. Why? They knew the barriers that kept people from taking simple first steps toward participation. Things like feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or fearing failure. They knew that sport was not just for a select few and the "professionals," but for everyone. More engagement meant more growth for people and greater impact for their business. Not surprisingly, their very first television commercial featured Walt Stack, an 80-year-old runner, jogging across the Golden Gate Bridge. And they never looked back.
What is the lesson for us as Christ-followers in light of the fact that only 5% of churchgoers actively share their faith? Every single one of us can play an important role in God's work around the world, especially when sharing the gospel with those around us. Unfortunately, we often overcomplicate evangelism, making it more daunting and difficult than necessary. I see this truth powerfully demonstrated on mission trips like our most recent one to San Jose, Costa Rica, where we engaged thousands of people in simple yet meaningful conversations in parks, schools, playgrounds, and soccer fields, sharing the gospel basics.
In many of those conversations we included this powerful verse from John 1:11-13:
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.
We simply presented the gospel and asked people if they wanted to turn from their sin and receive Jesus as the Lord and Savior of their lives. The result? Over 1,800 people decided to repent and receive Jesus. Was the power in our presentation, personality, or persuasion? Not really. The power actually lies in the gospel itself if we will "Just Share it."
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
Romans 1:16
So what keeps people from "Just Doing It" and actively sharing their faith? It usually comes down to just a handful of barriers. Let's not let the fear of rejection and misunderstanding, feelings of inadequacy, fear of the unknown, and pessimism keep us from taking the first steps in sharing our faith. Great opportunities exist on the other side of our hesitations.
