Witnessing Is Easy...... And You Do It Everyday!
by Darlene Sawyer
November 16, 2000

When you hear the word "witness" do you get a little uncomfortable? Do you automatically think of someone going from door to door? YOU going from door to door! Yes, most of us picture in our minds the poor lost soul sitting bewildered and "preached" to in his home, until he finally professes his belief in Christ. And do you get a little sick feeling in the pit of your stomach? I believe the Holy Spirit is trying to tell us, "No...that's not the way!" We need to listen to the Spirit. We should be a blessing to others, not an un-welcomed guest.

We "are" to tell others about what we believe. That, I am sure of. What chance does the lost soul have if he never hears the good news? Romans 10:13-14(KVJ)says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?"

Jesus made it clear that we are to witness to others. Before He ascended into heaven he said, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. (Matt. 28:19,20 KJV) So how then do we witness?

First, I believe we stop thinking about witnessing from door to door! Don't think about "preaching" to others, because "preaching" is a special gift my friend, given to our pastors (and sometimes not all pastors.) You are to be a light that shines wherever you go throughout your daily life. That is a witness to others! See, you are already witnessing, continuously, and didn't even realize it! Did that make your stomach feel sick? No! Matthew 5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (KJV) The way you act and react in everyday situations is the biggest witnessing you will ever do for Christ.

Here's the thing to think about. Have you been a good witness, glorifying your heavenly Father, or a bad witness? Christians should be a light, in a dark world. Christians should act and react differently than the world, in everyday life situations. Has your witnessing shown them how to be kind, forgiving, loving and helpful, to others? You should stand out like a huge neon light. You should be the square peg that doesn't fit into the round hole. You my friend, are in this world, but not of this world. You may be despised by some people, even the ones you love. John 15:19 (KJV) says, "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you." We are not like the world. Your actions and reactions should be different than that of the worlds. If there is no difference between you and everyone else, you are fitting into the world. The world is witnessing to YOU. YOU are conforming to world, not the other way around.

Your daily life is your witness to the world, and you should use each and every day to witness to the best of your ability. You can witness in the first way we discussed, from door to door, but let me add this. It is not an effective way if you live like the devil when you leave their home. Others will not be converted by your words, but by your actions. You must show and teach by example. When asked, "Why are you different?" Tell them about the strength you get from the Lord Jesus Christ. Tell them how the Holy Spirit, that lives within you, guides and directs you. Tell them how they too are welcomed into the family of God. They too can be a follower of Jesus Christ. They too can have the gift of the Holy Spirit.

A simple "God bless you" to the young man that carries out your groceries, or saying "God can give you strength" to the sick, is more effective than you know. It is your invitation for them to ask you about your God. They may say, "How can He give me strength?" Then tell them about God. Invite them to Sunday School and Church, but remember it may be a while before they answer that invitation, but that's ok. Always be ready to talk to them, giving them a little information at a time, because you are helping them grow in their faith.

Witnessing isn't hard! It's being a good example, being a friend, and guiding others to an understanding of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And remember, the person you lead to Christ has a lot of learning to do. Don't think you have to "preach" to them, because they aren't spiritually mature enough to swallow all that yet. The simpler the message to them the better understood. Start with the basics. God will do the rest.
(And smile...you never know who's watching.)