Dear Christian, be sure you are doing at least ten times the amount of biblical and missional evangelism, encouragement, and exhortation as you are scrolling and posting.

Why did I make it “ten times” the amount? Hmm, maybe, it’s a softer sell?

So, ok, ten times ten times. Or as the Apostle Paul was told by God to tell the Elders of Ephesus, “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God” (Acts 20:1-38, esp. verses 25-27).

Don’t get me wrong…I’m talking to myself above all else.

Still it’s a sobering thought, isn’t it? If Paul was sure he was free of any guilt regarding his listeners, it must also be true occasions arise in which someone bears some form of guilt in another’s spiritual demise. You see, the word “blood” is metaphorical of death, as in “the shedding of blood,” meaning “the taking of life.” In Paul’s talk with the Ephesian Elders, the Gospel of Jesus Christ for salvation is front and center. So, Paul’s concern for them was spiritual life…that can come only via faith in Jesus.

Yikes. That is terrifying and beautiful both! The compelling heart of the Savior places our feet in the mission field. He allows us to partner with him in the life-saving work of eternal salvation. No, we’re not empowering any of it. He is. Yet, he chooses to do it through us. Marvelous! Wonderful! Incredible! Still though, it’s very sobering and humbling.

For the Apostle Paul, being convinced he was not guilty one bit, must mean he faithfully labored hard in every season…both sowing and reaping. While some of that was writing, it’s certain there was much, much more time involved with personal, one on one, and group evangelism, teaching, encouragement, and prayer.

I’m trying to do better. How about you?