Tell London” Mission begins at Home

We’ve been dialoguing about our dream to tell every household in London that Jesus is coming soon. Since October 14^th our Church promotes the Initiative to make Evangelism a Lifestyle. When we tell our neighborhood – together we tell all London. When we tell London, and other churches tell their cities – we Tell Ontario. When each Conference tells their province – we Tell Canada, and together we Tell the World.

But where do we begin? How do we do it? Quite often eyes of all turn to leaders – pastor will do it, elders will do it. Surely the minister can put Evangelism before all things….As I seek Divine Counsel I recall a testimony given by one of our church pioneers: “The minister's duties lie around him, nigh and afar off; but his first duty is to his children. He should not become so engrossed with his outside duties as to neglect the instruction which his children need…To a large degree the happiness of men and women and the success of the church depend upon home influence... Nothing can excuse the minister for neglecting the inner circle for the larger circle outside. The spiritual welfare of his family comes first. Great good done for others cannot cancel the debt that he owes to God to care for his own children.”

(Adventist Home 353-354)

WOW! If God will not excuse even the pastor from taking care of the family’s spirituality first, what shall we say about a plumber, a doctor, a teacher, a builder? Making a buck and a name should never take a priority over taking care of family’s spirituality. Even evangelistic efforts, the most noble efforts of presenting eternal things to people should come as a secondary after taking care of Spirituality in the Family.

Our Evangeliving begins at home. Our first witnessing begins to our spouses and children. And today I will talk more to the Christian husbands. The most popular TV show since 2004 is said to be the “Desperate Housewives.” I’ve never seen a full episode, once glanced over a few minutes – senseless foolishness. But then I ask myself – is it just a play, or is it a portrayal of our present reality? How many desperate wives are out there because their husbands have never taken the responsibility as spiritual leaders?

Why such an emphasis on husbands? Well, Biblically speaking – when Eve got Adam in trouble God did not ask Eve but Adam – “where are you?” The husband’s got God’s order for the ultimate responsibility for the home.

Among many appeals made to Christian husbands by early Church leaders one in the 1^st letter of Peter (3:7) gives powerful motivation: Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Husbands, do you want your prayers to be heard? Take the responsibility seriously, both: for God’s gift in your wife, and for God’s gifts in your children. May our families be the first place that London will meet Jesus!