Joshua 1:8. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
The life of the evangelist begins with the Word of God. This does not mean that we are capable of perfectly obeying every one of God’s commands. But it does mean that our hearts, minds, and souls must be completely captivated and governed by the Word of God. Why is this so important?
The Word of God never changes. “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever” (Isaiah 40:8). Everything in this world is temporary and unstable, but the Word of God stands unshaken for all generations. Thus, do not rely on your own knowledge, wisdom, or experience. These things fade and fail, but God’s covenant for you remains firm today and forever.
Every word God has spoken has been fulfilled, and every word yet to be fulfilled will come to pass in His perfect time. Jesus said, “For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished” (Matthew 5:18). So, do not lose heart when the promises of God for your life seem delayed. His timing is never late, and often He is preparing something new, something different, or something far better than what you expected.
The Word of God bears His very name. “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you.” This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation’” (Exodus 3:15). When God speaks, He places His own name as the guarantee. His Word is as trustworthy as His unchanging character.
The Word of God also brings true prosperity and success. “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). When you hold firmly to God’s Word each day, your life will align with His purposes. You will desire to live the life He intended for you—a life that pleases Him. As a result, your life will naturally become a blessing to others. People will see the good things God is doing in and through you, and they will glorify God. That is the life of the evangelist.
The Word of God strengthens your relationship with Him. Jesus said, “Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them” (John 14:21). If you truly desire to know God more, listen carefully to what He says—through Scripture, through your local church, and even through your present circumstances. The more you listen, the more you will understand His love and care for you, and the more you will desire to follow His Word.
The life of the evangelist is not about self-promotion but about serving others. “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Corinthians 4:5). Instead of trying to make yourself known or placing yourself above others, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant…” (Philippians 2:5-7). True influence comes through humility and putting others before yourself.
Always choose the gospel over everything else. Jesus said, “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29). He is not teaching us to despise our families or blessings but to recognize the surpassing worth of the gospel above all things—our possessions (Luke 14:33) and even our own lives (Luke 9:23).
Know who you are. “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20). You are His ambassador, His representative. Know the message of reconciliation God has entrusted to you, and live with the awareness that everywhere you go, you go on Christ’s behalf. He is sending you to carry out His will and fulfill His purpose in the lives of those around you.
Yield everything for the sake of the gospel. When you face choices in life, always choose the path that will advance the work of the gospel. Follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit closely, for He will lead you in the way of victory and fruitfulness.
Prayer. Lord Jesus, I thank You for calling me to the way of the evangelist. Help me to hold firmly to Your Word, to lay down my own desires, and to follow You wholeheartedly. May my life proclaim Your gospel, and may I serve others as You have served me. In Your precious name, Amen.