Some people are task-oriented. Getting things done and checking the box makes them feel better about life. I know it works for me. 

I have a friend who is a professional painter. He says he loves his job because he can see the huge difference he makes by simply painting a room.

I grew up having Saturday chores. Us four kids each had a personalized “task list” from Dad. I have a vivid memory of my Dad giving me my list of chores one morning. It looked familiar, but to my surprise, he had added a new one. After reading the list in astonishment, I said, “Dad, I cannot do this! I am only 9 years old!” I will never forget his response to me. “I will never give you a task you cannot handle!”

But my Dad was smart. He knew the tasks were not just about getting things done. The task was meant to grow and discipline me to be a faithful and consistent worker.

Paul says God has given us a ‘task list’ too… the task of reconciling people to Himself!

The way I read it, this is not a “pretty-please request”. No, it’s a task God Himself has given us. And it’s urgent. Why?

• 10% of our world are born again believers.
• 33% are nominal Christians.
• Over half the world needs to hear the good news of Jesus again.
• And millions have never heard of Jesus!

It’s not just to help others, it’s also to help ourselves. There are many benefits for us when we share our faith-story with others. For example:

• We return to our first love for Christ.
• We become less selfish and more compassionate.
• We learn to hear God’s voice as He directs us.
• We learn to rejoice in what all of heaven rejoices over….one lost soul now found!
• And we enter into the joy of a new birth in Christ!

So for these reasons, and more, this task of reconciling people to God must not be ignored. Pastors MUST train their people to be confident in sharing their faith. Christians MUST be willing to change their old habits, and make new ones. This is our homework and our task.

God has counted us worthy to deliver His good news!