I suppose a number of Christians might feel justified in restricting the gospel because of personal insecurities. For generations a common excuse readily affirmed when asked why they are not more active in reaching the lost is “I just don’t know enough.” It is true that we do not need to enter battle unarmed. It must be wondered, though, why when that admission is made the individual does not then immediately begin to prepare themselves so they do know enough? Why is it that this excuse is the standard bearer of many for virtually their entire lives? The responsibility of every Christian is to “be ready to give an answer” (1 Peter 3:15); but we cannot be ready unless we get ready. It is one thing to admit a weakness in the area of Bible knowledge, but that should be the final time such a response is ever given. The Christian who truly desires the lost to be saved is going to prepare himself/herself to the “nth degree” to give an answer of the hope that is in us. Any personal insecurities we possess as Christians are our own fault, and never should be viewed as justification for what would better be described as a refusal to let our Christian lights shine.
A second reason some ignore their responsibility as Christians would probably be best described as doubt in the Divine. What is meant is the attitude that it is already known that those approached with the gospel will not be impacted anyway, so it is justified to save the effort and never try. The issues with such a mindset are troubling from two perspectives. One, such is an outright denial of the power of God’s word. Is it truly living and active, sharper than any two edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)? Does it actually contain all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3)? Will God really bring forth an increase (1 Corinthians 3:6)? If this attitude is maintained in the life of the inactive Christian, then their personal belief toward all questions above is “NO!” Second, this excuse prejudges the hearts of those never yet given the opportunity to change their lives. Would we desire to be judged similarly? Then the words of Matthew 7:1ff come to mind. Such is unrighteous judgment and should be avoided. Any acceptance or rejection of the gospel is a matter between an individual and God, but if we refuse to give them the chance to make that decision, we too will be held accountable (Ezekiel 3:20-24). Thus this doubt cannot be looked to as justification for not letting our Christian lights shine.
While others could be mentioned, a third supposed justification for the inactivity of some is likely a false sense of humility. Have you ever heard a person make the statement, “I don’t have any business telling somebody else how to live”? Yes, its true we should recognize our own weaknesses and closely guard ourselves against the principle of Matthew 7:3-5. However, we have the comfort of knowing that we are not telling anybody out of our own wisdom what needs to be done. When we teach someone the gospel, we are instructing them according to God’s wisdom (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). In fact, Paul closely guarded himself against this very insinuation when he emphasized the fact that the gospel he preached was not taught to him by any man, but came directly from God (Galatians 1:15-24). Therefore, this false humility can not and should not be used to excuse ourselves from letting our Christian lights shine.
No more fitting conclusion could be penned than the words of Jesus Himself: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).