Witnessing

Daily Reading: Colossians 4

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4.5-6)

Devotional Thought: Paul reminded the Christians at Colossae that they had both opportunity and obligation to bear witness to the Lord.  His instruction serves as a guideline for all of us:

·       Walk in wisdom toward outsiders.  The most important ingredient to an effective testimony is a holy, consistent, and loving life.  How many times have you heard people say, “… and he claims to be a Christian!”?

·       Make the best use of the time.  How can we become more aware of opportunities to witness?  It is God who opens doors.  Be sensitive to them, but don’t force them open.  That can be counterproductive.

·       Let your speech always be gracious. As Christians, our words are to be full of grace.  There is enough hopelessness and judgment and despair in the world today.  As my mom used to say: “You’ll catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!”

·       Season your speech with salt.  While we are to be gracious, we must also speak the truth in love.  People need to hear words of hope and peace.  Our society is adrift in moral and spiritual confusion.  We need to make known – by our holy lives and wise words – the truths of God.

·       Know how to answer each person.  Witnessing is not about repeating formulas.  It is about hearing a person, finding out where they are, and responding as the Holy Spirit leads.  In our witnessing, we must walk in step with the Holy Spirit.  If he is not opening the door for us to witness, pushiness will only serve to slam it shut!

Finally, be confident!  Remember these "You wills" of Jesus: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1.8).

Prayer: Lord Jesus, lead me to someone today with whom I can share your love and grace.  Then, grant me courage, wisdom, and grace to be your witness.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 17.13-15

13 Arise, O Lord! Confront him, subdue him! Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword,

14 from men by your hand, O Lord, from men of the world whose portion is in this life. You fill their womb with treasure; they are satisfied with children, and they leave their abundance to their infants.

15 As for me, I shall behold your face in righteousness; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with your likeness.