Preach the Gospel. If Necessary Use Words?

There is an oft quoted saying "Preach the Gospel. If necessary, use words." This has long been heralded by Christians as a profoundly wise saying. Over the years, I have come to find the sentiments of the quote to be appalling.

First, the quote is often attributed to Francis of Assisi. Unfortunately, a survey of his actual writings will not yield the quote. The Franciscans themselves cannot find those words among Francis' works or legacy.

Second, the statement contradicts the Scriptures. Romans 10:14-15 states it well:

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

Christians favor the quote since they think it obviates them from opening their mouths. The common belief is that a Christian's lifestyle will miraculously lead people to Christ. However, Buddhists live righteous lifestyles (in the eyes of men). Taoists, Muslims, Jehovah's Witnesses, mystics, Moonies, and cultists all live lifestyles that are often commendable and disciplined.

Unless Christians open their months, Jesus Christ never gets the credit for their conduct. Arguing whether we should have both a verbal and a lifestyle witness is like arguing whether the left or right wing of an airplane is important.

Ray Comfort tells a wonderful story that illustrates my point nicely.

One hundred and fifty thousand children had been on the brink of starving to death, but thanks to the kind gift of a very generous billionaire, every child now had enough food to keep him alive. That gift had arrived in the form of one big check. The horror was now over. It was finished. It was just a matter of distributing the food using the few relief workers we had. Without them to get the food to the children, there would have been many more deaths.

Some days later, a frantic worker burst into the camp and cried, "Some of the relief workers have stopped distributing food. Masses of children are dying!"

Why would the workers stop when there was plenty of food? It didn't make sense. The distraught man said, "It's because one of them held up a sign that said, 'Feed the starving children. Where necessary, use food.' That has caused some of the workers to simply befriend the starving children without giving them food. It's insane!"

Christian, who are you to withhold the bread of life?