The song “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” has always annoyed me. The repetition of the verses grates on my nerves. How can anyone stand to hear the same thing over and over again?
Have you ever talked to people about Christ and they refused to listen? You tell them over and over and over again, but they just refuse to hear what you have to say?
I have news for you, it’s not them, it’s you! Yes, you. When you want to share God’s Word, sometimes actions speak louder than words.
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world (James 1:26–27 NIV).
You need to stop trying to shove the gospel down their throats. Just live a life pleasing to God, and people will come to you. Some are more receptive than others. Some will listen to your words. But others need to see you living your words. God will reveal to you the ones who need to hear from you.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, . . . (Philippians 2:1–11 NIV).
A lot of Christians feel like they need to be a spokesperson for Christ by opening their mouths way too much. When it comes to bringing someone to Christ, we need to consider what each person will accept and go from there. Most people are repelled by someone who gets in their faces.
So, whenever you talk to people about God, take their lead. Do they want to hear your words? If not, stop repeating yourself to them. Show them instead.
Don’t let your ministry become an annoying song. Don’t let your own zealousness get in the way of witnessing to others.
Debbie Mitchell