Stronger Witnessing
by Chel Garrison
I have a confession to make. I love watching lawyer dramas on television. I am unsure if it’s the innate part of me that wants to see justice, the creative part of me that likes to see problems solved, or perhaps I am just odd in finding the process intriguing. If you are like me, you look forward with suspense to the part of the episode when someone finds a piece of trace evidence, or someone on the witness stand refutes an argument and suddenly causes the entire case to turn, and the truth is revealed. The strength of their testimony can change the outcome of someone else’s life. As Christ-followers the way we choose to live can impact the outcome of others’ perceptions of God and Jesus’ work on the cross. It is powerful to consider that we can make someone’s path to relationship with their Creator harder or simpler by the ways we choose to live. As I have studied Scripture, I think Jesus had ways of interacting with people that can help us have a stronger witness to His redemptive work in our lives.
First, intentionally pay attention to those around you. This may sound simple, yet being truly observant of the people around us takes effort and intention. In a culture that is always moving, where we are constantly distracted by our phones, it is easy to move through an entire day without noticing others. Jesus was so aware of the people surrounding Him that in Mark 5:25-34 it says that despite being in a crowd, He knew the difference between someone just bumping into Him and a woman reaching out to touch Him in hopes of being healed.
Let’s do some self-reflection for a moment with these questions:
Do you notice when someone isn’t fully emotionally or mentally present or “seems off?” And do you let them know you noticed?
When you are talking to someone, do they get your full attention, or are you half listening?
Do you listen to understand or simply to respond?
When it comes to our witness, it could be as simple as looking a cashier in the eye at the grocery store and genuinely asking how their day is going, then listening as they respond. Acknowledging a guest at your church, a stranger you interact with, or a coworker you pass in the hall is a simple way to show humans they are seen. Being seen allows us to feel worth, and since it is so uncommon today, it creates curiosity about what makes a person different.
Which leads to another way to increase the strength of our witness: ensure our actions match our words. Each of us knows someone who has been an example to us in the manner of “not practicing what they preach.” But what about you? You can claim to be a disciple of Christ, but can those around you see the work of the Holy Spirit in your life? James 1:22 says “don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves” (NLT). While we are all imperfect sinners in need of a Savior, we need to continue to allow the Holy Spirit to mature us to be more Christ-like and less world-like. Being a disciple of Christ isn’t just for Sundays, or retreats. It is a living, breathing way of life. Honestly, who you are on Tuesday at the office, at your kid’s ballfield, or your social event speaks louder about your character than any words or social media posts. Colossians 3:23 says “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people” (NLT). Would your boss or co-workers know you are a Christ-follower by your work ethic or business practices? Would the kids you coach in youth basketball know you love Jesus by the way you treat them or speak during a game? Would the server from dinner last night recognize your faith by how you interacted with her? Do your children see God’s character in your life when it’s just your family at home? If not, perhaps intentionally ask God to open your eyes to how you need to grow or start your day by asking Him to show you the opportunities to be His witness in your actions.
The third way that we can have a stronger witness is this: Be authentic in our failures, flaws, and need for a Savior.
In ministry, my husband and I have been part of thousands of conversations when someone has recognized their beliefs and lifestyle were out of alignment. I have also been the one asking God to forgive my actions more times than I want to admit. Unfortunately, the church has developed a reputation of requiring people to “clean up” before they come through the doors. But friends, that is not the picture of the Gospel in the New Testament. Without the work of the cross, we can never be clean. Without the power of the Holy Spirit, we cannot become like Christ. The most powerful way to have a stronger witness is to admit your need and humbly see that you can do nothing to “earn” salvation. When you lavishly forgive those who don’t deserve it, when you offer undeserved grace, or sacrifice for those around you, it’s not just about “doing the right thing.” In those moments, you become a living, breathing example of the Gospel. When you are met with anger and return kindness, or think of others as better than yourself, you are simply showing the world what Jesus has already done for you. That’s not normal. It’s countercultural, and honestly, it is appealing.
Friends, let us be people who intentionally see others, live what we speak, and be authentic in our need for a Savior so that others will see our witness with such strength and clarity that they cannot deny the power of the Spirit at work in our lives.
