Able Quote by George Sweeting
“I have four sons whom I love dearly. Suppose our lawn needed to be cut. I could say, "Boys, can you see the need? The grass is high. It's above my knees. Soon I will not be able to get to the garage. Don't you see the desperate need?" But in the final analysis, they get out the mower because their father says, "Mow the grass!" World evangelization is an imperative because Jesus said so.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: World Evangelization, George Sweeting, 2015
The passage uses a family analogy to illustrate that obedience to a clear command is more effective than persuasive pleading, emphasizing the urgency of evangelism as a direct mandate.
In simple terms: Obey the clear command rather than trying to persuade with reasons.
Key Takeaway
Act on the directive promptly.
Themes
obedience
urgency
evangelism
authority
communication
Mood
determined
urgent
inspirational
Type
instructional
motivational
When to use this quote
- church outreach
- personal evangelism
- mission trips
- family teaching
Key Concepts
Christian mission
directive leadership
family dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we balance clear directives with compassionate persuasion?
- When might a gentle approach be more effective?
A Different Perspective
Persuasion can still be valuable when the command is unclear or people resist authority.
![“[Evangelization] is not something optional, but the very vocation of the People of God, a duty that corresponds to it by the command of the Lord Jesus Christ himself” quote by Pope Benedict XVI](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d84/pope-benedict-xvi-414_christ_evangelization-is-not-something-optional_1696417.jpg)
