If Not Deep, Then Shallow: The Call to Share Our Faith

For many who grow up in church, faith can feel as routine as attending school or learning basic math. Church becomes just another part of the weekly routine, and faith, unfortunately, gets reduced to knowing the “right answers.” But knowing about Christ and knowing Christ are entirely different. Attending church and hearing sermons may feel obligatory—a ritual inherited rather than a reality chosen. Just as we may study algebra without planning to use it daily, we can sit through years of Sunday school, sermons, and youth groups without ever integrating the message of the gospel into our lives. Real faith involves intentional choice—not because we “have to” but because we want to. This shift from habit to heartfelt decision marks the difference between simply growing up in church and growing up in Christ. There’s a difference between memorizing Bible verses and encountering God’s Word in a way that changes us. Knowledge without experience is just information, and faith without application becomes empty tradition. Routine faith often results in spiritual apathy, a state where someone might know what’s right yet feel indifferent toward living it out. This indifference, if left unchallenged, can lead to a complacent, stagnant spirituality.  

   When our faith remains surface-level—familiar yet unengaged—it can lead to a host of problems that affect our outlook, our relationships, and our spiritual growth. Without realizing it, we might start reacting negatively toward those who have a deeper relationship with God. Why? Because deep faith challenges us, often exposing the uncomfortable truth that our own beliefs have stayed shallow. Instead of inspiring us to grow, it can tempt us to feel defensive and dismissive. With a shallow faith, it’s easier to stay in conversations we feel we can “win”—ones about simple, memorized facts rather than ideas that encourage genuine connection and thoughtful exploration of each other, we are wondering if we are asking right questions? How can I sound smarter? What would they like to hear?  We might be quick to share what we know, to teach or prove a point, but slow to listen, learn, or appreciate others’ perspectives. We may think they have a cool story you can pass along to the next person you talk to, but how much do we really the person who had the experience? We should only really be asking questions we actually want the answers to, not the ones that we think make us sound smart. Over time, this can lead to seeing ourselves as “wise” simply because we have knowledge, even if we haven’t truly grown. Proverbs 3:7 warns against this, saying, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” Shunning evil doesn’t only mean avoiding outward sins; it includes rejecting pride, selfishness, and the comfort of shallow knowledge that keeps us from deeper truth. With this mindset, it’s easy to start distancing ourselves from genuine spiritual discussions or deepening relationships in church. Feeling uncomfortable with depth, we might arrive late to services and leave early to avoid engaging with others, or avoid small groups and Bible studies altogether, telling ourselves it “isn’t our thing.” Yet, in avoiding these interactions, we miss out on the very purpose of the church: to encourage, grow, and support one another as a family in Christ. This pride keeps us trapped in shallow faith, blocking us from the transformative power of humility and openness. James 1:5 reminds us that true wisdom comes from God, and He gives generously to those who ask. But to grow, we must first be willing to recognize our need for deeper understanding. While there’s a place for lighthearted conversations and not every discussion needs to be deeply theological, a habit of avoiding depth can keep us spiritually stagnant. To truly grow in Christ, we should prioritize the deeper things in life—conversations and relationships that challenge, inspire, and encourage growth. In almost every area of life, nobody wants to be known as a “shallow” person. We all want to believe that our lives, choices, and thoughts have meaning beyond surface-level appearances. Yet, if we are not deep, we are shallow.  

  There are many phrases’ Christians use to rationalize not sharing their faith. While these statements can sound reasonable, they often reveal a reluctance to step out in courage or a misunderstanding of what it means to witness for Christ. This hesitation overlooks the gravity of what’s truly at stake—the eternal destiny of each person’s soul. The gospel isn’t just a set of beliefs or principles; it’s the message of salvation, the hope that Christ offers, and the truth that can change lives both now and forever. Let’s take a closer look at some common rationalizations and examine why each one falls short of the boldness and intentionality Christ calls us to.  

     Some may say “I don’t want to push my beliefs on anyone.” Sharing faith isn’t about forcing beliefs on others; it’s about offering hope. Jesus commands His followers to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), and this mission stems from love and genuine concern, not from a desire to impose.  

     Some may say “My faith is a personal journey.” While faith is indeed personal, it’s never meant to be private. Jesus calls us “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14), and light, by nature, is visible and meant to shine. Personal faith finds fulfillment in being shared, encouraging, and illuminating truth for others. Keeping faith hidden actually works against its purpose; a faith that is real cannot help but touch the lives of others. 

    Some may say “I don’t want to offend anyone.” While it’s natural to worry about offending others, Scripture reminds us that our call is to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Sharing the gospel isn’t about causing offense; it’s about inviting others into a life-changing relationship with Christ. Yet, the enemy can use this fear to hold us back, convincing us that any discomfort we cause is unloving or even harmful. This fear can keep us silent, preventing people from hearing the truth that will set them free. But if we approach others in genuine love and humility, with no intent to harm or judge, and they’re still offended, Scripture encourages us to handle this with grace and maturity. In Matthew 10:14-16, Jesus instructs His disciples, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.” Sometimes, despite our best intentions, the message of the gospel will be rejected. In such cases, we are called to move forward, trusting that we’ve done our part and leaving the rest in God’s hands. 

    Some may say “Actions speak louder than words.” Many people are drawn to the idea of simply “being a good person” as their testimony. While there’s truth in the idea that actions are an essential part of faith, they’re not enough by themselves. If we never profess our faith in God openly, we risk leaving others to assume our actions are simply a reflection of our own goodness or character rather than an overflow of Christ working within us. In this we are actively glorifying ourselves instead of God.  

    Some may say “faith is about personal conviction” Faith is deeply personal, but the gospel is also universally relevant. Christianity is about a shared truth: “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6). If we believe this, then it’s not just about what we personally hold to be true; it’s about a message that applies to everyone. Sharing faith isn’t about pressing a personal opinion—it’s about sharing hope found in Christ. 

     Some may say “I don’t want to create division.” Jesus Himself acknowledged that His message could bring division (Luke 12:51). Jesus’s words remind us that truth, by its nature, invites response, and that response can be polarizing. The gospel’s message is one of radical transformation, and it often confronts worldviews, assumptions, and ways of living that feel deeply personal. But avoiding the gospel out of fear of division often overlooks a vital truth: that God’s message, while challenging, also brings healing, unity, and restoration. In sharing our faith, we’re not aiming to force agreement or resolve every difference. Our role is to speak the truth with love and compassion, trusting God to work in the hearts of others. 

    Some may say “I don’t want to seem judgmental.” Many fear that speaking about their faith will be seen as judgmental, but we can approach conversations with humility and love rather than superiority. When Jesus spoke to people, He always approached with compassion, meeting people where they were without compromising the truth. By sharing honestly and gently, we can avoid coming across as judgmental, however if you are still perceived as judgmental take joy in it. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the inevitability of worldly judgment. Rather than fearing it, we should embrace it as a natural consequence of living a life of conviction. Ultimately, being judged for our faith is a testament to our depth of character and commitment to our beliefs. It reflects more on the judge’s shallowness than on the one being judged. the world will always judge, it is better to be judged for being a deep person then being judged for being shallow.  

   Some may say “I’m not a theologian.” Sharing faith doesn’t require a theology degree; it requires a genuine relationship with Christ. Even the apostle Peter, an uneducated fisherman, spread the gospel powerfully because he relied on the Holy Spirit. Sharing personal experiences, what Christ has done in your life, and the basics of the gospel can be more effective than intricate theology. It is the job of every Christian to go make disciples, not some at a certain level, everyone. 

   Some may say “I’ll share when the opportunity arises.” The allure of the “perfect moment” can be a seductive trap, often leading to inaction. The desire to wait for ideal circumstances can paralyze us, preventing us from seizing the opportunities that present themselves daily. Colossians 4:5 encourages us to “make the most of every opportunity”. Rather than waiting for a hypothetical perfect moment, we should embrace the present. Every interaction, every conversation, and every encounter is an opportunity to share the transformative power of Christ. 

   Some may say “People need to find their own way.” The notion that “people need to find their own way” is a pervasive sentiment in contemporary culture. It suggests that faith is a subjective experience, a private journey unique to each individual. While it is true that each person’s relationship with Christ is personal, it is equally true that the gospel is an objective truth, not a matter of personal opinion. If we truly believe that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation, we cannot passively stand by while others remain lost. He called them to follow Him and for those who did follow him he commanded them to go make disciples of all nations.  

    Some may say “I have my own struggles to deal with first.” It suggests that one must be spiritually perfect or free from personal challenges before they can effectively share the gospel. However, this perspective misrepresents the nature of Christian discipleship and the power of God’s grace. The Bible is replete with examples of imperfect people who were used by God to accomplish great things. Our own struggles can actually enhance our testimony. By sharing our experiences with honesty and vulnerability, we can demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love. When we acknowledge our weaknesses and shortcomings, we invite others to relate to our story on a deeper level. It is important to note that this excuse can often be a manifestation of pride or self-centeredness. It can be a subtle way of elevating our own experiences above the needs of others. Instead of focusing on our own problems, we should be mindful of the needs of everyone around us in the same way Jesus was. By sharing our faith, we have the opportunity to bring hope, healing, and salvation to a lost and broken world, meaning sharing your faith can even help solve your problems too.  

   Some may say “I’m not going to sway anybody.” While we may not be able to control the outcome of a conversation, we are responsible for planting the seed of the gospel. As 1 Corinthians 3:6 reminds us, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” Our role is to faithfully share the message of salvation, trusting God to work in the hearts of others. We may never fully understand the impact of our words or actions. A seemingly insignificant conversation may spark a lifelong spiritual journey. By sharing our faith, we are participating in God’s redemptive work in the world. Therefore, let us not be discouraged by the fear of failure or the uncertainty of the future. 

  Some may say “They care more about dinner than being a sinner, so why mention anything?” This dismissive mindset assumes that the gospel isn’t relevant to others simply because they seem uninterested. The Bible teaches us that God’s heart is for all people, regardless of their current circumstances. Even those who appear to be far from God have a deep spiritual longing that only He can satisfy. As Christians, we are called to share the good news of Jesus Christ with all people, without exception. Let us not underestimate the power of the gospel to transform lives. By sharing our faith with humility and love, we can make a difference in the world, one person at a time. 

    Our hesitation to share our faith often stems from fear—fear of division, judgment, or rejection. Yet, as we have explored, these fears are often based on misconceptions about what it means to share the gospel. The reality is that the stakes are too high to remain silent. The eternal destinies of our friends, family, and colleagues are at stake. Let’s not forget the profound truth that genuine love compels us to share what we know and experience in Christ. As we become more truly rooted in our faith that comes from knowing Christ and not just about him, we can’t help but reflect the light of Christ to those around us. It’s not merely about winning arguments or impressing others with our knowledge; it’s about inviting them into a life, mind and soul altering personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. When we share our faith, we deepen our understanding and embrace the very essence of what it means to be a disciple of Christ. By seeking to understand others’ experiences and perspectives, we build bridges rather than walls, creating opportunities for dialogue that may lead to life-changing encounters with God. In a world that often feels disconnected and shallow, let us commit ourselves to be vessels of truth and light, unafraid to share the message of salvation. Let us prioritize authenticity over convenience and depth over superficiality, so that together, we can fulfill the Great Commission and bring glory to God in all we do.