I hate “gimmicky” things and nowhere is that more true than when it comes to evangelism. Over my 22 years here, I have seen more useless evangelism strategies than I can count. If we are ever going to share the story of Christ effectively, we are going to have to do it in a way that is real and natural. Here, then, are four “real” and “natural” ways to live and share what you believe.

1. Look around. While most people seem to have their lives together, many times that is not the case. Many quietly struggle their way through their days just hoping to survive. The question is not whether people need help or the hope of the gospel, rather the question is “Can we see where people really are and will we put ourselves out to get involved?”

In Matthew 25, the famous scene of the righteous being separated from the unrighteous, the thing that divided them was their ability to see and respond to the needs of others. In fact, the repeated question is, “When did we see you?” (Verses 37-29 and 44). Jesus replies, “Whatever you have done for others you have done for me” (Verse 40). Look around. Many need help and hope.

2. Look up. If anything is going to be accomplished in the kingdom, it must be done with the power of the kingdom. In this case, “look up” simply means “pray.” Every Spiritual revival has started with prayer. Our plans are no good without God’s power (see how the church grew in Acts).

3. Look forward. Think about what “could be.” The big question here is, “What would this church (or this person, or this city, etc) look like if they responded to God?” Too often we “hamstring” ourselves by focusing on past failures.

In Ephesians 3, Paul says that he has forgotten the past and is thinking only of the future. Then he adds, “All of us who are mature should take such a view of things” (verse 15). As my daughter’s favourite quote from the movie “The Lorax” says, “It is not about what it is, it is about what it can become.” That is Biblical.

4. Look after. As Christians, we are here “Not to be served, but to serve” (as Jesus said of himself in Mark 10:45). Too many churches and too many Christians exist only for themselves. That is not our role! We are here to bring God’s love to others.

Look around… Look up… Look forward… Look after. If we did those things, we would not have to find a way to evangelize. We would be doing it already!