This pastoral passage was originally written for LRBC for November 9, 2025.

Probably the biggest personal motivator that urges me toward evangelism is my love for God “who called me out of darkness and into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). Some people might be more motivated by things like their love for people and the desire to share with them the blessings of salvation available by Christ, and that is absolutely fine and good. But for me, at that deeper intuitive level, it is the greatness of God himself for who he is and what he has done. God has declared his resolve that his name “will be great among the nations” (Malachai 1:11), and to that end he has redeemed individuals from among the nations to be his special people, whose purpose is to “proclaim the excellencies” of God who called us to himself.

Our purpose of proclamation comes with an ability that is unique to humankind among all of God’s creation: speech. While every single facet of creation is called upon to worship God because he is the Creator, the King, and the Redeemer (Psalm 148), only humanity can articulate God’s worthiness with words. The speech of creation is inarticulate (Psalm 19:3), seen and heard everywhere without unambiguous expression. That is why it is so important that we give our voices to the proclamation of God’s worthiness and the accomplishments of the Good News. It is so important that Jesus even warned that creation would do unnatural things to correct the unnaturalness of refused praise (Luke 19:40).

Humans have the privileged responsibility of giving praise to God. Our lives are made to be oriented around him, rather than ourselves and our own goals, or around any other created thing for that matter. Most of humanity worships false gods or revolves around itself. We who know and love otherwise have the duty to show our love and admiration for God. This must be more than simply a well-lived life for God (although it must certainly not be less). It must be given speech and definition by our words. The right words can be hard to find sometimes (I really struggle sometimes, despite my intent to evangelise), but it is important that we find ways and opportunities to express why the Lord matters so much.

Mary the mother of Jesus and willing servant of God Most High said: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my soul rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46–47). May God give us all the same heart so we can praise him likewise.