How can believers shine like stars in the night sky?
We’re not talking here about film stars and rock stars—those who enjoy the adulation of fans and bask in transient fame and glory.
We’re also not alluding to the stars of the prosperity gospel known for their charisma or the miracle workers who hold many spellbound by their ability to bring about signs and wonders (Matthew 7:21-23).
Rather, we are referring to those who turn many to righteousness. They are deemed as stars in God’s eyes. They will be honoured and rewarded one day when they meet their Creator.
“And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.”
(Daniel 12:3)
It is implied that there are various degrees of glory in eternity. Apart from the moon’s illumination of the night sky, individual stars twinkle in their own distinctive way.
Indeed, there will be different forms and measures of eternal rewards for believers (1 Corinthians 3: 12-14, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 22:12).
What does ‘turning others to righteousness’ involve? By convention, it means sharing the Good News or salvation message to pre-believers. But it can also mean snatching out from the fire believers who are headed for destruction, whether through willful sinning or deception (Jude 1:23).
While some have the gift of evangelism and bring in a mighty harvest of souls, others conserve the gains made in God’s kingdom through rebuke, correction and warning so that believers do not go astray. Though the latter are not evangelists, they snatch out of the fire wayward believers and thus help to reduce the attrition rate. It must be remembered that only overcomers receive the reward (Matthew 24:9-13, Revelation 3:5).
After all, the Great Commission is not merely about churning out converts but making disciples(Matthew 28:18-20), who in turn are sufficiently equipped so that they are able to train others to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).
Continual exposure to pulpit ministry and seminars may lead to a state whereby believers are overfed and underutilised for the kingdom of God. It’s a case of excessive intake leading to “spiritual obesity” and lack of “exercise” in terms of witnessing.
Here is an engaging and lively video by pastor and evangelist Greg Laurie on HOW TO SHARE OUR FAITH: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hviN1_s3Vo
I believe it is a must-watch video for every believer who desires to share the Good News with someone who does not know Christ. It deals with the principles and guidelines we need to observe when witnessing, not about a fixed method.
Though not all of us are called to be evangelists, we are to do the work of an evangelist (2 Timothy 4:5). We should always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks us for a reason for the hope that is in us, yet doing it with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15).
Have we shod our feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace (Ephesians 6:15)?
If we do so consistently, we will become like shining stars one day. Those who win souls are wise.
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ABOUT Author: Dr Lim Poh Ann is a medical practitioner. He was the former editor of Asian Beacon magazine (December 2008 – October 2011). He can be reached at his blog, Porridge for the Soul
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