Choose to Witness the Right Way

Choices change our lives…

By Barbara Dahlgren

In the Christian community, when we hear the word “witness” we think of one who stands before people and testifies about what God has done in their lives. Many might say, “I can’t do that!” They feel shy about verbally sharing Christ with others. This is indeed one way to witness, but the truth is that if we are Christians we are daily witnessing to others by how we live our lives.

It is said that the reason people come to Christ is because they have known a Christian. By the same token the reason many have not come to Christ is because they, too, have known a “Christian.” Christians are witnessing whether they want to or not.

Acts 1:8 “…you shall be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and all of Judea and Samaria and to the ends of the earth.” This scripture actually has a double meaning. It’s true that it can refer to taking the gospel around the world. But those to whom Christ was speaking lived in Judea and Samaria, so they were witnessing right where they lived. So wherever we are, wherever we live, or wherever we go – we are witnessing to those around us about Christ. What kind of witnesses are we?

The image some may have of a Christian is a kind, caring, joy-filled, authentic person who may fall short but strives to follow Christ. Another image could be of one who is dull, lifeless, easily angered, obnoxious, intolerant, and rigid – full of pomp and circumstance with no substance. Which would be the better witness?

Even those who seek to appear to serve God can fall short. The example of the Pharisee in Luke 18:9-14 comes to mind. He thought he was really going above and beyond because the law said he only had to fast once a year on the Day of Atonement, but he fasted twice a week. He even gave tithes of all he possessed, but unfortunately, he didn’t have a relationship with God. It’s this ongoing relationship with God that keeps us Christ-centered and authentic.

Or what about Christians who serve diligently at church, but neglect their families? Or Christians who go to church each week just to pacify their need for religion? Some Christians are like Jekyll and Hyde, acting one way at church and another during the week.

What about Christians who want to put on an outward show by wearing crosses around their necks, putting fish emblems on their cars, and carrying Prayer of Jabez key rings? Of course there is nothing wrong with any of these things if the motive is right. The other extreme might be Christians who don’t want to have any outward show of Christianity and take pride in the fact that they’ve led a Christian life but have never pointed anyone to Christ. All miss the mark!

Consider this… To be a sincere witness for Christ, we Christians should examine ourselves to be sure we are in the faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5) The Word of God should dwell in us and whatever we do “…in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:16-17)

God wants a daily relationship with us. After all, we are His children. Christians are children of the living God. What we do doesn’t determine who we are. Who we are as children of God should determine what we do. When we realize this, witnessing in the right way becomes easier.

One final thought… Live your life as if people are watching, because they are.

 

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