The NBA playoffs are in full swing right now and quite frankly, "I really don't care." A friend of mine asked me the other day if I'd seen the Celtics game and I said, "I didn't even know they were playing." When it comes to the NBA I'm indifferent at best and antagonistic at worst. I just don't see the point and I'm very much opposed to much of the antics. I liken my attitude towards the NBA to what I'm perceiving the attitude of many in the church is towards serious outreach into our communities--our inactivity reveals our apathy. In the church I happen to serve we are at least giving lip service to our desire to become more intentional in outreach and yet as we talk about the opportunities and possible involvement in outreach activities those who listen repeatedly have that "deer in the headlights" look. I've been thinking and praying about why this is and I wonder if the folks in church just don't see a real reason to sacrifice what is safe, comfortable, and routine for the mess of entering into people's lives in an attempt to rescue them from the Kingdom of darkness. So I want to share at least three significant reasons why I believe that each of us should be willing to "take up our cross daily" and make some sacrifices to bring the gospel to people not only around the world, but in our own neighborhoods. First of all, we are COMMANDED to make disciples--"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." (Mt.28:19). Last time I checked obedience was a litmus test of our love for Christ--see John 14:21. The one who loves Christ will keep His commands and making disciples is certainly at the top of the list. I want to be careful not to become judgmental of people who are not involved in the ministries of disciple making that I deem most important. I think making disciples begins with communicating the gospel through our words and works. Therefore, I think that at some level every true believer should be involved in sharing the Gospel in these ways. We do not all need to be involved in the evangelism process through the same means/methods. In fact, I would argue that uniformity in our approach is not what pleases the Lord. The question isn't what method we use, but whether we are using any method? Can someone truly be a believer in Christ and never take any steps to reach out to the lost around him/her with the Gospel of Christ? As we review our list of activities for the summer are we using any time for sharing Christ? This doesn't have to be joining an "Evangelism Explosion" initiative in our church although that would be a good thing. But it could be an intentional effort to make our "bleacher ministry" redemptive--to intentionally engage those we sit next to at ball games in spiritual conversations. Or it could be that we are praying for the opportunity to share Christ with those we find our camper parked next to at the RV park while on vacation. I believe it should certainly include some participation in the ministries of our local church directed at reaching the lost locally, regionally, and/or internationally. Secondly, we are to be CONTROLLED by the love of Christ--2Cor. 5:14-15. Paul's words in this section are certainly instructive. As the great apostle pondered what Christ had done for Him he was compelled out of gratitude to "live for the one who died and rose again on our behalf." I'm doubtful that most of us have given prolonged and serious contemplation to the Cross of Christ and what that means for us. It would require a realization of our abject destitute condition, that we were subject to the unrelenting and unraveling wrath of God, and that by Christ's glorious substitutionary death our sentence of destruction has been averted and we are forgiven. For all who by grace through faith embrace Christ's death in their place new life, reconciliation with God has been accomplished. There is no greater news. Those gripped by God's mercy are compelled to live for Him fully. Certainly that means sacrifice personally so others can be exposed to this marvelous message. But I see our schedules filling up with ball games, NASCAR races to watch, golf games to be played, video games, TV, movies, boating, countless weekends of camping, every spare moment touring on our new motorcycle, traveling incessantly to see our children and our grandchildren. Don't get me wrong, these things all have their place--Except maybe watching NASCAR--just kidding :). What concerns me is that increasingly I see professing believers so driven by their schedules that there is no margin for ministry, no place for professing Christ. If we are using each of the aforementioned activities as a platform for sharing then my assessment is faulty. What I fear is that we are neither using our plethora of activities for ministry nor are we cutting back enough to find time for sharing Christ and showing Christ personally. I know a couple who are grandparents who have left their family behind to share Christ in one of the spiritually darkest places on the planet. They are not living their retirement years worshipping their children or grandchildren, chasing around to their countless activities deluded into thinking that doing so is the best way to leave a legacy. I'm not saying that everyone should move to a different country to engage in ministry and leave their family behind. What I am saying is that when the love of Christ controls us we will make decisions that put serving the Lord, engaging in ministry above our interests, preference, and desires will be done out of love for Christ. I think that far too much of what we are chasing in America smacks of idolatry that is sanitized under the guise of Christian duty (i.e. God wants me to take care of my family). I'd suggest that our children will learn a great deal about faith, courage, the goodness and greatness of God when they see us and join us in ministry that doesn't always cater to their whims and fancies. When we miss a few ball games to go out into the community or travel overseas to share Christ in a foreign country it points them to a purpose eternal and a God who is glorious. And is He not worth it. What can we sacrifice for Him more than what He has sacrificed for us? Finally, Our CONCERN for God's glory serves as a constraining influence to sacrifice for the sake of bringing the Gospel to the lost around us. Revelation 5 pictures the LAMB who is worthy taking the scroll out of God's hand and to break the seals (5:5). The Lamb is Jesus who was "slain,and did purchase for God with Your blood men from every tribe, and tongue and people and nation" (5:9).God is at work to bring men from all over the world to Himself and as we partner in that work He receives glory. We are gloriously enabled to be a part of God's grand plan to redeem lost mankind. He doesn't need us, but chooses to use us in His Sovereign plan to reconcile lost men to Himself. I want to be part of that grand effort to bring Him glory. So as we have various opportunities--VBS, Community Parade, Sharing in Our Communities, Block Parties,etc., I hope we will not dismiss them as I would an NBA playoff game. I pray that the COMMAND of Christ, being CONTROLLED by the love of Christ, and our CONCERN for the glory of God will encourage us to make some tough choices, to sacrifice our preferences and to take the gospel to those around us.