There is a place for you and your style. Is it what you want? Does it portray and share Who the Lord is in your life? How do you share? Effective is rarely defined as overbearing but it isn’t defined as milksop either. Do you want to grow in your how’ and ‘what’ that you witness?
Witness, Webster:
“…attestation of a fact or event – Testimony; one that gives evidence; one who has personal knowledge of something; something serving as evidence or proof – Sign; public affirmation by word or example of usually religious faith or conviction
The word ‘testimony’ should give a clue as to our ‘what’. We are testifying regarding our experience. The ‘proof’ is how our testimony matches our actions. We are far more reliable a witness when what we say is demonstrated in our lives. The final definition is the one most appropriate to our context – a public affirmation by word or example. if what we say has no relationship to how we live, then what kind of testimony are we providing?
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” (Philippians 2:12, ESV)
“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” (Romans 10:10, ESV)
What you need to understand is that your witness is important and needed in your world. It is always personal and no one can share it but you. Polished? Is that necessary? I doubt it, regardless of the ‘sophistication’ of your audience. And you don’t always get to choose your audience and time – the method, though, should be confident and assured.
There are over 25 verses that talk about witnessing and its importance:
“And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19, ESV)
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
(Matthew 24:14, ESV)“…but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Peter 3:15, ESV)
“And He (Jesus) said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mark 16:15, ESV)
“Then He (Jesus) said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Matthew 9:37-38, ESV)
In case you wondered… yes, you are included as a ‘laborer’. This may sound bossy, but what you need to continually remember is that the Lord has called YOU, right where you are to be His Ambassador in your world and the foundation includes the realization that He doesn’t leave you alone – the Holy Spirit is always with you empowering you to be a witness.
