Is He In Hell Because of Me?

“If a house was burning down you would run in and save the person—you have to tell everyone about Jesus or they will burn in Hell.” – Evangilist

I believed what I was told, so I walked around in fear—invading the privacy of anyone who came near.

My friends and I would knock on complete stranger’s doors to impart our wisdom if they let us. My nose still hurts from all the doors slammed in my face. 

My friend Karen and I looked for people to witness to one Halloween night. We were in Karen’s car as we approached a group of teens.

“Do you know Jesus?” we said.

“I do, but I don’t know you!” One boy responded as he walked away with all but one teen.

“If you were to die tonight, would you go to Heaven?” Karen asked the remaining girl.

Her eyes widened, and her scream echoed throughout the neighborhood as she ran.

We were so scared we drove off and hid in a parking lot for over an hour. We thought the cops were after us.

What were we thinking approaching teens on Halloween? That girl probably thought we were going to kill her.

Our exuberance overshadowed wisdom.  

I had to rethink my witnessing approach.

Jesus said, Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16). 

I did not want anyone to be condemned, so I had to tell them. Right?

God’s number one commandment in the Old Testament and expounded upon by Jesus in the New Testament,

 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the great and first commandment.  And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Mathew 22:37-38).

I was not loving God or others by being rude and obnoxious—I acted out of fear. 

I repented and asked God for wisdom. 

 Paul the Apostle states:

“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow.  So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.  The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.  For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.” 1Corinthians 3:6-9 (NIV)

What joy, we are co-workers with Christ. He doesn’t need us, but we have the honor and privilege to be His servant and join Him in expanding the Kingdom.

I’ve since found a balance. I listen to the Spirit—He guides me to those who He wants me to speak to. He also impresses on my heart the word I need to speak.People will not go to hell because of me—I just lose the joy and reward of being used by God to further His kingdom. 

Have you witnessed out of fear? Have you encountered someone who does? Join the conversation.