The responsibility of a believer in Christ today to share the word of life, salvation, and forgiveness is no less awesome. Once the message of salvation is entrusted to us, we are responsible and accountable to share with those who are lost

But how does this responsibility involve the modern-day Christian? Much the same, indeed, as it involved Ezekiel. If a person is called by God to convey His word (witness) to any person or audience, he or she is not free to fail to fulfill the terms of the call. In this regard, the modern preacher, counselor, evangelist, missionary, teacher, writer, or the like, whether layperson or professional, is not so different from any person who takes on a responsible task. Failure to live up to the responsibility implied in the task is bound to do harm, and such failure ought to be called to account. Here we do not talk about ability but about willingness. Important jobs carry important responsibilities, duties that cannot be avoided.

As for those gifted and called to speak God’s Word, they must take refuge in the faithful fulfillment of their responsibility and not mistakenly depend for satisfaction on the results. Those who seek to persuade people should not forget that people, once informed, are responsible for their own choices. We cannot let the effectiveness of our lives be hampered by regret or self-condemnation for what others refuse to do with the Word of God we have faithfully conveyed to them.