No thanks St. Francis

"Preach the gospel at all times -- If necessary, use words."-St. Francis of Assisi

This quote, which has been attributed to St. Francis, Mother Teresa, and probably even King James himself, has been ingrained into Christian culture about as much as John 3:16.  I have heard it quoted in sermon after sermon.  I have never really questioned the saying.  After all, didn't some saint or some famous nun say it?  It is not until very recently that I have started questioning the validity of this statement. 

Actions are great.  We are called to do works all throughout scripture.  James tells us our faith is dead without them.  My struggle is this: Do my actions truly preach the Gospel message? The quick answer to that question is no.  I see people do nice things every day, and very rarely do I catch myself commenting on seeing Jesus through their actions.  This might be as serious a problem as not sharing the Gospel, but that is a whole different topic.

Another problem I have with the quote is its demeaning attitude towards words and preaching.  In Jesus' own ministry there was a struggle between actions and verbal teaching.  However, it was not a struggle of balance, rather a struggle for the observers.  John 6 tells the story of Jesus feeding the five-thousand. After he had fed them and left, the crowds followed.  Jesus understanding their hearts said, "...you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves."  Jesus ministry was marked by healing and by preaching.  He walked the walk and talked the talk. Shouldn't I?

My biggest struggle with this famous quote is the handicap it has put on my own life.  For years I have hid behind it.  Scared to even mutter a single word of the Gospel message, I would justify it by "doing good deeds".  It has so often served as my crutch.  Instead of stating a simple "by faith through grace" message I do the equivalent of helping the elderly cross the street.  It sure looks good to passers-by, but leads no one towards salvation. 

I am sure that in many people's lives this quote has been meaningful, even helpful.  In my own life, however, I am finding that it leads me to be like the Pharisees, for whom Jesus declares, "For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness." Matt 23:27