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by David Phelps

“Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person.” - Mother Teresa

February, 1996

I don't care for heights. But at work there's a ladder I have to climb sometimes. It's a fairly tall ladder -- over fifteen feet straight up. That might not seem tall to you but it does to me.

The first time I had to climb it, I went up very slowly, and held on for dear life. The next time, it was a little easier. The time after that, it was easier still, and so on. Now, I have very little difficulty. I'm not ready to paint the ceiling at church but that particular ladder doesn't bother me very much any more.

Doing anything for the first time can be disturbing or frightening. When we initially try to share our faith with others, it can be uncomfortable and difficult, but the more we do it, the easier it becomes. If you do any kind of exercises, you know that they become easier to do, and that you can do more of them, as you continue. If you begin by doing ten sit-ups, you'll be able to do twenty; if you start by exercising for fifteen minutes, you'll be able to continue for half an hour; if you begin by running one mile, you'll be able to run two. In the same way, whenever we share our faith, we develop and strengthen our "witnessing muscles". And, just as exercise is important to our physical health, sharing our faith can improve our spiritual health.

"and most of the brethren have been made confident in the Lord because of my imprisonment, and are much more bold to speak the word of God without fear." (Phil. 1:14 RSV.)

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