Live the Gospel? Really?

You’ve said it. And I’ve said it. Oh yes! We’ve all said it.

What have we all said? Answer: “We’ve got the live the Gospel and not just preach it.”

I used to think it was a smashing piece of pithy advice that managed to express so much in so few words. The original proponent of this practical theology is thought to be Francis of Assisi who quipped (1182-1226), “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary, use words”. Who couldn’t agree with such a wonderful statement?

Well, the more I’ve thought about it over the years, the more I’m becoming less and less satisfied with its supposedly sanctified logic. Allow me to explain.

The first point is a theological one. To put it bluntly, there is actually no such thing as “living the Gospel”. It seems to me that there’s a widespread misunderstanding nowadays about the actual content of the Gospel. The Gospel is not ethics; it is proclamation. And it isn’t proclamation about the way we live (or should live), but about what Jesus Christ did for us through His death and resurrection. The Gospel- in and of itself- is preaching about the marvellous atoning work of the Son of God. Through Him, and Him alone, the forgiveness of God has kissed every sinner who believes whole heartedly in Jesus. Therefore, “living the Gospel” isn’t a theologically correct statement. I think we all know what we mean when we say such a phrase; nevertheless, that doesn’t make it right.

The second point is from a missional perspective. Too often I’ve seen this sentence employed by those who are too afraid or too lazy to preach the Gospel of Christ to others. They justify their lack of one-to-one witnessing on a daily basis in the name of “living the Gospel.” The underlying idea is that being a half-decent person and doing a few good chores every now and again constitutes God’s will for our Christian life. And that’s it. There is no need to preach as long as we live out God’s commands. Quite ironically, however, preaching the Gospel is one of Christ’s most important mandates! If we are not preaching then we are disobeying.

The third point is from a ‘lost’ perspective. When I say ‘lost’ I mean people who are ‘lost’ i.e. without Christ. I was lost over a decade ago. I didn’t know Jesus. But I did know plenty of people who did. I remember that they were great folk and very helpful. They usually had a smile on their face, peace in the souls and a positive attitude when trouble struck. But in spite of all of that, their actions never converted me. I had seen many good Christians doing many good works; but those things didn’t turn me to God. What turned me to God was when one young man was brave enough to bear witness to me about Christ and reveal to me the depths of my lost condition. It was then that I cried out to God and pleaded with Him to have mercy on me. I wasn’t converted by ‘good Christian living’ but by faithful Christian evangelism.

These three points explain why I’m giving up on Francis’ quote. One, because I can’t live the Gospel; it was lived by Christ. Two, because it serves as a pillow for lacklustre saints who don’t want the bother of having to testify to others. Three, because my relentless good actions won’t convert a single soul. Only the Word of God can do that.

Bye, bye Francis!

Bye, bye “live the Gospel”!