In an African church led by missionary James King, a lady came to every service with an old dog who sat beside her on the outside aisle. When the invitation was given for people to pray, the dog took his place beside her at the altar.
One day, the woman’s husband beat her so severely that she died. Later, the man noticed the dog disappeared for about two hours on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings. The following Sunday, the man followed the dog to the church where the animal occupied his regular place on the outside aisle. At the invitation, the dog took his place by the altar. The man was so touched that he, too, went forward and gave his life to Christ. Now the dog comes to church with a new master. (Parables, Etc., January, 1987, pg. 4).
The last words that Christ gave us were to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all the things He commanded us to do (Matthew 28:18-20).
Far too often, we fail to follow this commandment of Christ and do not evangelize because we fear that we just don’t know the Bible well enough or we don’t know the right words to say. However, as this parable points out, your life speaks volumes to others about your faith in the absence of words. St. Francis was quoted as saying, “Witness everyday. Use words if necessary.”
Take some time and think about your actions and how those around you see you. Would they follow you to church and to Christ because of what you do and who you are? If not, then why not? Let your life mirror Christ to someone today, and show them the Way!
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