We’re studying the book of Mark in Wednesday night Bible study, and a lady commented on how difficult sharing Jesus with people is.

All I could do was nod, because I, too, find it difficult.

When there’s no legitimate reason for such reticence.

We become afraid to share the Good News, because we don’t want to be laughed at, ignored, or worse.

The problem with that attitude is two-fold. First, thinking that way is selfish. It’s making the delivery (or lack thereof) of the message about us, and not about God. We are but the messenger. Do we hold the mailman responsible for delivering a “Dear John” letter?

Some might, but that’s their problem. The possibility certainly doesn’t stop the mailman from continuing to do his job. Neither should it stop us from delivering Jesus’ message.

Secondly, by not doing what God asks us because we’re afraid limits God. Most of us live in countries where we are — for the most part — free to speak openly about our faith. If anyone should be telling everyone about what matters to us most — and Jesus should be at the top of that list — it’s us. We need not fear imprisonment, torture or death for doing so.

Part of us limiting God is cultural. Many of us were brought up to believe that we are in charge of our destiny. We are in control. That believe, while can lead to success, also pushes God into the background. We believe we can save ourselves and others without depending upon him.

The fear we experience when trying to spread God’s love is a consequence of not relying upon him to help us. We ignore the Spirit’s urgings, his strength and wisdom in favor of our own.

We are saved through Jesus and only Jesus. To hesitate to share in that joy and wonder for those who need it as much as we do is not only selfish, but fatal.