“Evangelizing This Digital World”

“Evangelizing This Digital World”
By: Bea Javelosa
First of all, what is a digital world? And, what is evangelization in that sense. These things are not so unfamiliar to us, especially in my generation. Today, the modes of transportation have so quickly evolved, as well as the means of communication. Today, we are able to reach people from across the globe in a matter of seconds with only the consideration of the cost. Hence the term digital; where many, if not most, of the everyday gadgets are operated by a computer programmed system. From the years where having a cellular phone was unspeakable, we not have that necessity to own one. We live in a digital world with all its evolutions on a day-to-day basis. But, on the other hand, we have a mission, a goal that we are supposedly set out to do the moment we are called to do so. In Matthew 28, God has called those who had an intimate relationship with Him and knew Him to multiply as a Christian virus that takes hold of any host it may find. To be contagious and spread exponentially throughout this world.
“Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: "God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age." – Matthew 28:19-20 (The Message)
God has instructed us, as part of being His children, to go out of our comfort zones and be a witness to His grace, mercy and ultimate love. It is not enough that we ourselves know Him, we must share and take part in what Jesus started over two thousand years ago. It may seem outdated, but in fact it should still be applied today. His desire for us is to experience His blessings and be blessings ourselves for others to experience. This command says to multiply; not in the sense of propagating, creating more human beings but to exponentially produce desire for others to also know God. Our God is a loving God, He definitely does not need us but wants us in His presence. This command is call in itself to be a light to others who may still stand in darkness, not knowing the splendor this world has to offer when seen at a different perspective.
In answering this call, I have learned so many different methods of approach to this topic where not many people seem excited to hear. One of them – the most effective one, in my opinion – is to share everyday experiences. First hand information of events that have impacted my life. How I saw my God’s love in even the smaller things that we relate to everyday situations. Another is to find a common interest between the two of you and build from that. For example, with basketball, I realized that through this sport I was able to connect with new people and gained a friendship with them. With this common ground I started to ask and open up about God while trying to relate it to basketball. See, to me, basketball is not just simply a sport but a passion. And to direct that passion from simply worldly view to a higher perspective; giving back the due credit to the One who gave the ability and desire to pursue this. By having these experiences to share, it becomes more sincere and truthful, as one cannot make up certain experiences. In our digital world, it is essential to spike interest even at the beginning. We must be direct and as clear and simple as possible when sharing the gospel.
In Romans 6:23, it says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.” The equivalence of just one sin whether it be a white lie or a moment of vulnerability, the punishment would be death. This death, not being the physical death but the spiritual. Second death, being separated from God, death of the soul. At first glance, it all seems too extreme a punishment for even just the smallest of mistakes but after a while I realized the my God requires perfection. Being people, we are prone to mistakes and the Lord knows this, this is why He provides us with a way, His way. The only way that we will be saved from this second death to submit our lives to Him. Giving up control over our desires, no matter how deep they may run within us. And with that, we are given the opportunity to know Him and the assurance of an eternal home in His dwelling place.
In our society, there are so many lapses in judgment, we find it easier to commit mistakes or be fine with mediocrity. But we must not give up hope in giving others the opportunity to also have this assurance and opportunity. Especially now that the means of communication is more efficient and speedy. It is now easier for contact between two people. Thus, making the exchange of ideas easier and faster. We are now in an age where so many things come as easily as snapping one’s finger. Though, it may be harder because of preconceived notions of certain things that may hinder the openness of a person.
As God has commanded to grow in number and value of life itself, we must take to heart this calling and not waste anytime. Each day is a day less of tomorrow and we can’t waste our time in godless banter. There are still so many people to reach out to, it may not be in a spectacular manner that we associate but it must be sincere and intimate. We are instruments of His grace being used for the betterment of the people He created, with each face He knew what it would turn out to be, even after facing so many trials. As children of a father, we are to obey and this is a task given to us that we must follow. It is easy to share the gospel if the desire to is there. I may not be the one that brings someone to God, I may simply be a step towards that direction and someone else may have that chance. It is not up to the farmer to make a seed grow, it is the suns. The farmer plants the seed and nurtures is while the sun provide growth and light for what the farmer has assisted in. The seeds grow whether or not you are part of it, but it is great to be! Will you step up next?