Scripture: Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV) – “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Last week, I caught a TV show that delved into evangelism during the early 1960s, a time characterized by a strong emphasis on peace, love, and opposition to war. In this captivating film, an atmosphere of universal affection prevailed, especially among the younger generation. The depiction showcased a society where the spirit of the hippie movement led to unhindered hugs, carefree lounging, and an overall relaxed lifestyle. While certain behaviors were influenced by substances such as marijuana, alcohol, and drugs, the underlying theme was a genuine freedom to express love and, remarkably, to share the message of Jesus with every person they crossed paths with.

The prevailing viewpoint suggested that the younger generation was characterized by recklessness, idleness, and substance use. However, a deeper reality emerged concerning evangelism, revealing these individuals as bearers of the message of Jesus, actively baptizing large numbers of people while conventional churches experienced a decline. Amidst this shift, the traditional Christians had embraced attending church as a mere routine, inadvertently neglecting the imperative of showing love to others and spreading the message of Jesus beyond the confines of church walls.

In the regular rhythm of our lives, the call to share the message of Jesus can often get lost amidst our daily activities. Yet, just as our bodies learn to recognize bedtime through a consistent ritual, we too can cultivate a ritual that makes sharing Jesus a natural and integral part of our behaviors.

Think about setting aside a specific time each day, much like you set a bedtime. This time could be a few minutes during your lunch break, a moment before you start your work, or even a dedicated slot in your evening routine. As you faithfully engage in this time, your heart and mind will begin to recognize it as the moment to share Jesus with others.

Remember the apostle Paul, who made it a ritual to engage in discussions about faith whenever he entered a new city or community. In Acts 17:17, we see that “he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there.” Paul’s consistent engagement created a rhythm of sharing the Gospel, making it a natural part of his interactions.

Likewise, we can draw inspiration from Philip, who didn’t hesitate to engage the Ethiopian eunuch with the Gospel in Acts 8:35. He saw an opportunity and didn’t let it slip by. Just as our bodies anticipate bedtime through consistent cues, we can train ourselves to anticipate opportunities to share Jesus through intentional rituals.

The more we engage in this ritual, the more it becomes second nature. Just as our bodies prepare for sleep as we approach bedtime, our hearts and minds will begin to instinctively seek moments to share the love and message of Jesus. What may start as a deliberate act will become woven into the fabric of our daily lives.

Let us hold onto the words of Jesus in Matthew 28:20, where He promises His presence as we make disciples and teach others to obey His commands. By creating a ritual of sharing Jesus, we not only follow His command but also invite His constant companionship into our lives.

The youth of their era proclaimed their generation as adrift and took proactive steps to address the issue. Meanwhile, the church community observed with disapproval, labeling the young as lost but failing to take any action. Today, a similar sentiment is voiced by the younger generation, deeming their own era as lost. The question that remains is whether we will respond with decisive action or merely shake our heads, echoing the same sentiment that the young people are lost.

Let’s pray for God to help us cultivate a ritual of sharing Jesus in our lives. Just as our bodies recognize bedtime through consistent cues, may our hearts and minds instinctively seek moments to share God’s love and message with those around us. We should pray for God to empower us to be like Paul and Philip, ever-ready to engage in discussions about faith and to seize opportunities to spread the Gospel. Jesus changed the world when walked on this earth because he shared the Good News. We are his disciples so let’s make it a habit to share the Good News for Him.  We can transform the world if we do.