There is some question whether or not St. Frances actually wrote this but that's not my point. I heard this saying a few years ago by a friend of mine but it didn't have an effect on me as it does now. "Preach the Gospel, if necessary use words." What does that mean? It's not saying never preach the Gospel with words. I believe that we need to preach the Gospel. It's important that people know about the good news, about our Lord and savior and what He did for us. It's important because faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. (Rom. 10:17) But what we need to understand more than anything is 'why do we preach the Gospel'. Some of us may have different reasons why we preach the Gospel. It should be to try and help add to the Kingdom through the love and hope that Jesus gave. But how much does preaching the Gospel help the non-believers? Most non-believers who are not going through a crisis don't want to hear someone preach the Gospel. To them the Gospel is something for people who are weak or something that may restrict there lives. Why do they need to hear it? I know when I was a non-believer the words didn't mean much and I didn't want to hear it. What brings people to the knowledge of Christ? It's how we live our lives.

We are called hypocrites whenever our lives are not reflected what we speak. I have fallen short many of times and will continue to fall. I'm faaaaar from perfect. But we need to be able to show people what the Gospel has done for us. Not just speak to people about it. We are living in a world where people want something real. Not just talk. When something is real people go after it. I'm not saying that a non-believer will come to Christ because of how you live your life because when it comes down to it they are going to have to want to change to change. But one day that person will come to a crisis and they will need that love, hope and encouragement. Who will they seek for that? Will they seek the one that just preaches the Gospel? Or will they go to the one who tries to live the Gospel as best as they can? Now, it is very important that people know what you stand for and who you believe in. In the beginning that may take a little preaching. After that they look at what you do. Let your actions do the talking. People are pretty good at spotting a phony. Once they make the decision to change they will be more open to receive the Gospel. We need to be more approachable as believers. If we are always trying to preach the Gospel through words we give a holier than thou attitude which makes us unapproachable.

Let's not forget that we have the same struggles that non-believers have. The difference is that we are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. (Mat.13,14) We are supposed to make a difference. We are called to enhance the world like salt and be a light that is bright so that people can see the goodness of Christ. We need to focus on giving love and hope to the world not just by what we say but with how we live. I need everyone who reads this to understand that I personally don't have it all together. My prayer is to try every day to live the Gospel and be the Church one day at a time. I don't have it all together and I never will but I will continue to run this race. I will stumble and fall but I will also get up and keep going towards the finish line of this marathon called life.