Evangelism Must Be Sincere

When evangelism becomes professional, it may become perilous. We must maintain the keen edge of a personal interest in persons and not think of saving souls impersonally. Our motives must be purified by the Holy Spirit. I recall a visit one day from a white-haired deacon of an adjoining city, who came to my study to ask me to call on a young married couple who had recently moved into my parish.

I was deeply moved when this Yankee down-east deacon went on to say, “I am much concerned for this young man’s soul. I wish you would see if you cannot get him converted, so that he will have a changed life.” It seemed thrilling to me that a church officer should come all the way from another city to ask my interest in the salvation of a stranger. I was about to commend the deacon for his passion for souls, but I halted when he added: “This young man lived in one of the houses which I rent as landlord.

He moved out of town owing me two months’ back rent. I felt that if you could get him converted you would perhaps be willing to persuade him to pay me the two months’ back rent.” If I dismissed the deacon somewhat abruptly, it may be because I was in doubt of the reality of his interest in the salvation of souls. I happened to hear afterwards that he was a regular skinflint.

His neighbors said of him, “He squeezes the dollars until they hollers.”