148 14 Habits of Highly Effective Disciples
Paul never got over the grace that God showered upon him. We
would be better off if we would not either. The apostle is deeply con-
cerned that certain Corinthians are losing their way spiritually by
denying that resurrection can and will happen. This deviation spawns
Paul’s rehearsal of the gospel at the outset of the chapter and prompts
him to devote the balance of this rather lengthy chapter to this essential
aspect of the gospel.
Focusing on the Meaning
A friend of mine is wont to say, “It is the start that stops most people.” I
have found this to be true with studying, writing, paying bills, changing
the air conditioner filters in our home, and exercising. I have also found
this to be the case, I fear, with witnessing.
Recently, I learned that the gentleman who had treated our home
for pests for some seven years had unexpectedly died. Over that course
of time, I had a number of extended conversations with him about life
and faith. It was clear to me that he was a person of integrity; it was not
clear to me that he was a Christian. I should have taken the time and
mustered the courage to ask. Now, regrettably, it is too late for me to
know if he was or was not a follower of Jesus. As another friend of mine
is inclined to say, “Sometimes silence is golden, and sometimes it is just
plain yellow.”
St. Francis of Assisi is frequently credited (though not verifiably)
with saying, “Preach the gospel always, when necessary use words.” This
study reminds us that it is necessary, if not urgent, to use words, for “...
faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the
word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). May we become more faithful, intentional,
winsome witnesses for God’s glory and others’ good, for the gospel (at its
core Christ crucified, buried, and raised) is “the power of God for salva-
tion to everyone who has faith, to the Jew first and also to the Greek”
(Rom. 1:16). Amen.