What would Jesus do on Spring Break?

A few weeks ago Erin came home and all excited said, 'You have to hear this new group I just discovered.' She proceeded to play "Amazing Grace" by El Divo really loudly. She was excited and passionate. I didn't share her enthusiasm. Yeah, it was good, but she interrupted what I was doing (bathing the kids) and I didn't want to hear the songs right then. We got into a little tiff about it when I asked her to turn it down and she became offended. However, as she has continued to play the music in the background over the past few weeks, I have begun to appreciate it and really like it.

I think that all Christians need to read this account of an evangelical, spring-break, mission trip that is completely ineffective. I've been uncomfortable with this style of "Evangelism" for many years, but have been unable to put a rational argument behind that feeling. Its a little long, but take the time and then come back here.

I think the same principles as my story with the El Divo music are true with Christians who "evangelize" in this nature. They are are excited and passionate; but they are interrupting people's lives. So, instead of being open to appreciate what may be a good message, people are put off. What is more effective is a long-term, quiet exposure to a person making a good will effort at living out a Christian life.

Christians need to remember that Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth." Salt is good in little doses. These people are dumping a whole shaker into the pot and ruining the meal.

He said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." Light does not pursue, it attracts (as any moth will tell you). A Christian who wants to make an evangelical impact in the world needs to just live a quiet, unassuming, service-filled life.

Finally, Jesus said, "When I am lifted, I will DRAW all men to me." Notice, once again, the idea is that people will be attracted to the message of Christ.

I think we made a wrong turn in our ideas of evangelism. We have misconstrued the Great Commission and have idolized Paul's methodology over Jesus'.

I can't think of one account in the Gospels where we see Jesus running down the street chasing after people who are not interested in His message. We see Him sitting on a hillside or in the temple and people crowding around him...attracted to Him. 21st century Christians need to stop emulating Paul and start emulating Jesus; then they may actually become effective evangelists this way.