this quote...is it legitimate today?

Everyone knows the quote from St. Francis Assisi "Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words." But do we really understand it and if it still correct for today.

St. Francis Assisi lived in another time and place, quite different than where we live today. First of all, his identity was defined in that culture due to his office in the church. All would recognize him as a "man of God" just because of the age in which he lived (monks, nuns, and the church). He could come into a town and minister along side people where they would recognize his "calling" and office as directed from the church. There was no hiding his purpose or mission.

Here was his missional statement for ministry:

Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.

We are not there today!

When we minister alongside our community, we have no distinquishining marks (white collar, black clothes, robes) that mark our identification with a church or religion. We are just like everyone else. Therefore, our context may not be understood by those receiving our "works."

OK, this is why this quote bugs me as people quote it today. What this implies is that we should work alongside others without the need to preach. And by "preach" I mean- tell of the gospel: salvation and the good news.

Here is another quote from St. Francis...

While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart.

He is also advocating preaching with words. His 1st quote therefore does not exclude preaching with words. Today people take this quote and use it to justify their work in the community without the need to proclaim the gospel.

Here I go...this is a "both and" debate! We need to proclaim the gospel with both our works and our words. This problem with this is that it is difficult. We may not get written up or get great feedback. We actually may get negative backlash. I know...their is a negative connotation to going into a community with an agenda...but there has to be a way to emphasize both.

I am struggling with this. I want to continue with this struggle. But my point is....are we really doing ALL that is necessary to reach our community both with our works and or words.