Perhaps you were unaware of this, but at every moment and in every way you are witnessing concerning your faith. Witness is not done merely through proclamation, it is also accomplished through deeds. Every moment provides you with an opportunity to "witness" (by means of word or deed) to the reality of God in your life.
Now, don't let this overwhelm you. God is more gracious than any of us could ever possibly imagine. God is well aware that your frailties, weaknesses, and eccentricities will be part of your witness. Indeed, in His saving purposes, God has demonstrated that he is most glorified in our weaknesses rather than our strength -- in our humble dependency rather than our outspoken arrogance (which we often mistake for boldness). This is why the Apostle Paul could glory in his weaknesses, for he knew that "God's power is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9-10).
Always remember, it is not great acts that God is looking for -- it is great love done through small acts over the long haul of one's life. These "small acts" of love accumulate over time to shape your character. And it is this character that will "speak more loudly" than anything you could ever say. Indeed, it will validate your message as authentic. Without it, our message appears to be empty words devoid of reality and significance.
This is why God's evangelistic program is this: "They will know you are Christians by your love for one another" (John 13:34-35). Notice, Jesus did not say, "They will know you are Christians because of your faith", or "They will know you are Christians because of your amazing ability to speak about the Gospel."
We rely too much on programs and proficiency and (believe it or not) words to spread the Gospel, when Jesus' simple plan has always been to form a loving community which not only proclaims the Gospel through words, but publicly lives it for all to see! And this living of the Gospel centers around clear, perceptible expressions of love to our brothers and sisters in Christ.
You have the perfect opportunity to witness to the truth of the Gospel this coming Thursday at Teknon! Will you come with the motive of "meeting people" or "serving people"? Will you come with the intention to "take from others" or to "love others"? Will you come with the desire to proclaim -- not merely by word but by deed -- that the Gospel of Jesus Christ has impacted your life, giving you the desire to minister to others through shared discussion, discovery, and teaching?
You will never know what a difference an attitude of humble, loving service can make to the life of our group until you try it. What's holding you back?
© Richard J. Vincent, July 21, 2002
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