Stop the Guilt Cycle Today!
Dave Wilson —
Back in my young adult years, it felt like every third Sunday my pastor would say, “Let’s turn to Matthew 28 and look at the Great Commission together.” I remember sitting there thinking, “Seriously? Doesn’t he have anything else in his sermon file?” In reality, it was probably just once or twice a year—but it sure felt like more.
Most of the time, I tuned it out and told myself the message wasn’t for me. My thoughts sounded something like this:
- “I’m just not wired that way.”
- “If I tried sharing my faith once and it didn’t go well, can’t I just get credit and move on?”
- “If I don’t want to bring up Jesus with my friends, does that make me a bad Christian?”
Honestly, I wished the pastor would just let us put a little extra in the offering plate so the church could hire someone to “do” the Great Commission for us. As far as I was concerned, that would’ve been a win-win.
Looking back, I realize I was stuck in what I now call “The Great Commission Guilt Cycle.” Here’s how it went:
- I know I should share my faith.
- But I don’t know how.
- And I’m afraid to.
- So I don’t.
...and then right back to #1 again.
For me, it felt like there was no exit ramp.
But here’s what I eventually discovered: there is a way out. And it starts with realizing it’s not my responsibility to convince people to follow Jesus or “close the deal.” My part is simply to show up. To have genuine conversations that reveal my care for people, and then—when the moment arrives—to gently share the reason for the hope that is inside of me (1 Peter 3:15). No debates. No arm twisting.
These days, I don’t roll my eyes when someone brings up the Great Commission. I’ve found that if I trust God to change hearts, ask questions that help me understand where others are at with God, and share a few things God has shown me, then good things happen. Maybe not every time. But often enough to prove my pastor right—the Great Commission is even for people like me.
David Wilson is the Area Director of Search Nashville. Over the last 15 years, he has led countless small discussion groups about God and life mostly with those in the business community. He enjoys cycling and skiing and makes sure his wife Dru visits their three grandkids as often as possible.
