2022_10_10 Insight Post- Mario Colorado

            Life is full of distractions that often sidetrack us and keep our attention away from God, our families, and even our responsibilities and obligations. I have a terrible habit of mindlessly scrolling through marketplaces for things I DON’T need. Instead, I should be engaged in my studies, reading my Bible, praying, or tending to important family, work, or school matters. When this happens, I need to check myself. Thankfully, when I’m in a procrastination rabbit hole – I can turn to the Holy Spirit to lead me out through prayerful self-examination.

            In 2 Corinthian 13, Paul sternly warns that those believers who have not repented of their sins and who doubt his authority will be disciplined. But Paul doesn’t want it to come that. This is evident by the solution and encouragement he offers to the Corinthians; “Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” (2 Cor. 13:5 NLT).

The Bible offers many comprehensive examples of how to test ourselves. I like to start with Jesus’ commandments in Matthew 22:37. Do I love God with all my heart, soul, and mind? Do I love my neighbor as myself? In John 13:34-35 Jesus instructs, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”  Am I being obedient to God’s word by how I live? Again Jesus instructs, “The proof is the work I do in my Father’s name. But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep. My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” The words of Jesus are always a good starting point for self-examination.

One of the most challenging issues I face as a Christian is doing my part to spread the Good News of Jesus. Fear, particularly fear of how I will be perceived, plays a big factor for me. Moreover, cultural and societal influences can stir doubt in my mind regarding how the message will be received. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus makes His mandate clear, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you.”  As Rusty frequently reminds us, sharing the Gospel is NOT an option.

Acts 21 provides valuable historical insight into Paul’s ministry and the hardships and sacrifices he endured to spread the Gospel message. Paul was begged and warned numerous times not to go to Jerusalem for his safety. His response to that is in Acts 21:13, “Why all this weeping? You are breaking my heart! I am ready not only to be jailed at Jerusalem but even to die for the sake of the Lord Jesus.” When Paul finally arrives at Jerusalem, we learn of his arrest and the beating he endured for the sake of spreading the Gospel.

Paul provides us with a high standard for Gospel sharing. Thankfully, we live in a country where we are unlikely to endure what Paul suffered. Nonetheless, we should look to his example for sharing the Good News of Jesus without fear, as guided by the Holy Spirit.

Mario Colorado
New Hope Intern