St. Thérèse of Lisieux was a French Carmelite nun who died
in 1897 at the age of 24 from tuberculosis. Though she lived a simple life, cloistered
in her convent, her writings reveal an exceptional closeness with God. St.
Thérèse lived by Jesus words in Matthew 18:2-4: “Truly I tell you, unless you
change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of
heaven.”
Based on St. Therese’s life and writing, The Little Way of Evangelism is a means to make everyday life an avenue for sharing the Gospel. It begins by placing our own spiritual journey into God’s hands. Four aspects of it spoke to me:
COME HUMBLY TO GOD AS HIS CHILD. Children try to please their parents, but sometimes they make messes and spills. God isn’t this judgmental figure waiting for us to fail Him. Out of His great love, He sent Jesus to die in our place to gain forgiveness for our wrongdoing and shortcomings. Though we fall, when we repent and begin again, God is pleased. Evangelism begins with our own salvation.
RELY ON GOD. Children do not rely on themselves but instead put their trust in their parents to provide for them. They don’t fret about the future or the past. We can rely on God, giving Him control of every aspect of our lives, including our witness.
PRAY SIMPLY. God is just happy that we try to spend time with Him! Simply and honestly talk with Him. We don’t have to do x, y and z for it to be a good prayer. If we get distracted, keep refocusing. It’s still good! Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to keep our own lives on track and to open doors for evangelism.
BRING GOD INTO THE SMALLEST ACTIONS. St. Thérèse wrote that she tried to put as much love and attention into folding napkins at the dinner table as she would if Jesus Himself was coming to dine with her. God can take every little thing we do, when infused with His great love, and make it an extraordinary opportunity for evangelism.
Be encouraged!
