We Christians sometimes see witnessing as something that is done once. We tell people what we believe as the most simple, uncomplicated truth . . .
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.(John 3:16 KJV)
. . . without taking time to learn their concept of God, the world, begotten, believing or everlasting life. We haven’t a clue about their family life to know what they see in their father when we tell them about our Father . . .
And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. (Luke 11:2 KJV)
. . . and that we should do His will – without explaining what His will might be. At the very least, though, we have planted a seed. A seed that may not show fruit for some time – if ever. Some will never have an interest in hearing why we believe God is important in their lives.
Understanding that Jesus faced that every day of His ministry may help us show others His importance. His responses to unbelieving questions should be our lessons.
When Sadducees came to Jesus with a scheme to trap Him by asking what they deemed was a difficult doctrinal question, His response tells us what we should know:
Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. (Matthew 22:29 KJV)
The scriptures are inspired by God – virtually God-breathed – and we do err by not knowing them and using them to explain our hope:
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)
We can be ready if we not only become familiar with God’s word but apply it to our own lives before attempting to apply it to others. We do have help in our daily witnessing to His impact on our lives.
When speaking to His disciples, He promised words would be provided:
But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. (Mark 13:11 KJV)
We see examples of that in the book of Acts as many of them were brought before governors and kings. They were able to speak the gospel under stressful and adverse conditions. And, we see where their words were noted – and basically rejected:
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. (Acts 26:28 KJV)
I’m giving this a lot of thought today partly because I do not know what to say. A young life touched mine years ago and I saw there a response to the many people interested in sharing God’s love. Today the symbols I see in that life signify satanic rituals, replacing what we had hoped would be Christian growth. Rather than walk away shaking off dust, I pray that God will provide the right person with the right words – and prepare myself, should an opportunity arise.
My Dad used to sometimes use a phrase "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink". I think all you can do is plant the seed and hope it grows but that person has to make that choice for themselves. I admire you so much for your unwavering faith. I think I have faith but it is very different to yours. I can't see that changing. I am however, always interested to read your words. Many of them resonate with me regardless.
ReplyDeleteHope that sort of makes sense! Hope you, David and the family are well.