“After seeing Him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherd’s story were astonished…” (Luke 2:17-18 NLT)
What is a witness? Isn’t it essentially a person who experiences a first-hand account of something? We witness things every day. Obviously, some things matter more than others. I witness my dogs eating their meals, but who cares, right? I care! Why? Because I’m responsible for their wellbeing. How I care for them is evidence of how much they mean to me.
What if I witness a crime or an accident? What’s my responsibility? Isn’t it to share what I saw? What if I’m involved in some way? I will share what I experienced, how it affected me. What’s my point? No one can share your story like you. No one can feel what you felt or respond exactly like you responded. As with the Shepherds, all they did was share what they saw and experienced.
What have you experienced with Jesus? How has He changed your life? What difference is He making in the way you live? What does it mean to you that you have the promise of a home in heaven when you die? How has your relationship with Jesus impacted your home life? Your work environment? Where you go for “fun?” How you relate to your neighbors and friends?
What is the evidence that you love and serve Jesus? I love what Joyce Meyer said: “If you are accused of being a Christian, there should be enough evidence to convict you.” How open are you with sharing your love for Jesus? If you’re not sharing it, could it be that it doesn’t exist?
As a rule, we tend to share the things we love. We put stickers on our vehicle or wear clothing that promotes our favorite team or cause. What we love is often the subject of our conversations, whether it’s a sports team or our spouse or child. If we love our job, we tell someone. If we find a great restaurant, we’re not bashful about telling others. Why is it so difficult to share Jesus in normal, everyday conversation?
Donald Barnhouse wrote: “Every believer is a witness whether he wants to be or not.” Whether we like it or not, there’s no such thing as a “silent” witness for Jesus. While often attributed to St. Francis, the quote that says some variation of “Preach the Gospel. Use words if necessary.” Is a little bit like saying: “Perform surgery. Use instruments if necessary.”
Implicit in preaching the Gospel is the use of words. Granted, our lives need to back up and affirm the words we use, but witnessing with our lives, while valuable, isn’t enough. Not many, unless they know us well, are going to deduce that our conduct is Christ-generated. Maybe in the fifties, but not today. There are some very nice people who are far from Christ.
Being a witness for Jesus demands more than church attendance and a quiet lifestyle. Jesus wasn’t crucified for being quiet, He died because He was outspoken about who He was and about His mission on earth. If we’re not ruffling some “feathers,” we’re probably not being very effective in our witness. Being a believer in Jesus today is offensive period!
Does that mean we should be obnoxious and rude? Of course not. That wasn’t Jesus’ style, and it can’t be ours. Jesus was murdered for telling the truth, that He was God in human form. Maybe you haven’t noticed, but that’s just as hard for people to accept today as it was 2,000 years ago. It didn’t make sense then and it doesn’t today, unless and until it becomes embodied in a person of character whose lifestyle matches their words.
That’s what changed the world then and it will today if we’ll live like Jesus and not be bashful about sharing Him with others.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 