If the surveys are true, and that 25% of Americans are considered “nones” (unaffiliated), then we have a lot of work to do. The Precepts of the Church tell us that the 7th Precept is “everyone is a missionary”. This means we all have the shared responsibility of presenting Jesus to others. Through our struggles and convictions, we share the promise of Jesus and offer Him as an answer and solution to the ails of life. For this to be effective, we must be personally willing to invite Jesus into our lives, hearts, minds, schools and families.
This personal relationship with Jesus Christ becomes a first step in courageously inviting others to knowing and loving Him. We risk being hypocrites or frauds if the value and relationship of Jesus doesn’t show in our actions, thoughts and hearts. Love is not a possession, it is a reality to be lived and shared, for it is eternal and God is Love!
Too many times we miss the opportunity to talk about Jesus because we are too busy, afraid, or don’t believe we have the appropriate knowledge to share Jesus Christ. If we are authentic, genuine and sincere, that will speak more soundly than any theology book. A zealous, holy heart can bring others closer to God more quickly than all the words. We speak volumes when we are true to Jesus, admit our sins, and see Jesus Christ as a friend in all we do. People will see this value and will want to know “why” and “how”. The rest is up to the Holy Spirit. You can’t force people to love God. Be an authentic lover of God and people will draw themselves to this obvious Truth: Jesus Christ!