Effective Witness

Most Christians I know struggle with how to share their faith. I have something for you that will revolutionize your opportunities to show that Christ is real in your life.

Read what prison-bound Paul says at a time you would think he’d be complaining. Listen to how he tells the Philippians that they can be shining lights for Jesus:

“Do everything without grumbling and arguing, so that you may be blameless and pure, children of God who are faultless in a crooked and perverted generation, among whom you shine like stars in the world” (Philippians 2:14-15 HCSB).

You can do that! You can be a bright spot at school, work, in your family, everywhere in this world just by cutting out all complaining and arguing.

Think about it. Everywhere you go, you hear people grumbling about the weather, the government, their spouse, or their job. Everybody wants to find something to complain about. But those few people who NEVER utter a downer…they are a breath of fresh air. And we may not even be conscious of why we like being around them. But we are all drawn to encouragers.

So become one.

You become that guy that always has something sincerely good to say. You be the encourager. You keep your mouth shut when gossip starts…or better yet, say something positive about the person being put down. You be the one to walk away from silly disagreements. You become the coworker who never complains and you will become the standout.

Paul says that this is the way for us to be bright and shining lights in a world filled with darkness.

I know that you being positive, alone, isn’t going to bring people to Jesus. But it will bring people to you, and it will give you multiple opportunities to share with them where the hope within you comes from...why you see everything from a different perspective. And if nothing else, people will enjoy being around you so that when you make that invitation, they will be inclined to come.

Now isn’t that a contrast to the way the world sees preachy, condemning, angry Christians?

Let’s be the lights that Paul says we are supposed to be. And then take advantage of the opportunities this will bring us.

“In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15 NIV).