5 Misconceptions About Sharing The GospelSample

Misconception #2: Everything in your own life has to be together

Some of us are hampered in our witness because of our issues, but the truth is you don’t have to be perfect in order to be a Christian. Paul makes this clear in Galatians 6:3.

“Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”

The Spirit points us to the substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus. The flesh boasts about our own achievements. In order to accept God’s grace, we must admit that God did what we could not do for ourselves. Why then do we get so caught up with our own performance?

When we focus on “how well we’re doing” as Christians, it’s easy to let mistakes cripple us. We also fear that the lost will see through our facade and point out our imperfections.

There’s good news: God still has grace for us. You don’t have to be perfect to be a witness. You don’t have to appear perfect either. In fact, it’s better if you don’t. You can testify of the changes God has made in your life, but you can also be honest about the work God is still doing. Philippians 1:6 encourages us, saying:

“He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Yes, God did a saving work in you when you repented and believed in Jesus. However, He’s still doing a work—you’re not done yet. I’m not making an excuse for sin. I’m simply saying: don’t underestimate the power of God’s grace. Don’t let your current struggle pull you out of the running.

Jesus presented Himself before God as the perfect sacrifice for your sins. He fought your case in the courts of heaven. He defended you against the condemning claims of the enemy. He still defends you. Your justification is not based on your actions, but on the blood of Christ.

Sanctification is an ongoing process. As believers, we are complete in our identity, but we’re not complete in our transformation. When we trust in our own righteous acts, we’re acting like we’ve arrived. It’s as if we no longer need grace. But no matter who you are, you still need it. I still need it.

Let God take the pressure off. Your “perfection” isn’t what draws people to the gospel. The transforming work in your life can and should act as a testimony. However, even if you feel like you’ve got a long way to go, you can be a witness today. God has the power to save people despite our imperfections.