You have just arrived home from work and you are somewhat discouraged. The workload again was overwhelming, keeping you completely occupied through the day. You had hoped that this was the day that you would have had time to speak to one of your co-workers, but the day flew by and you didn’t get the opportunity to be a witness. Or did you? Although it may not have been so obvious to you, the other employees were watching. From the very first day of your employment they have noticed that you are different. You have always given your best effort in your work, without complaining, cheerfully taking on the most menial tasks that you are given. And when you speak, it is never in ridicule or with sarcasm. Your words are kind, sincere, and encouraging. They have noticed as well that you are a good listener, showing genuine concern for others, and willing to be a help whenever possible. They have also observed how happy and content you are, even though you have never joined them in their after-work activities.
What they have been witnessing is the changed life of a child of God. In Philippians 1:27, Paul writes, “Only let your conversation (manner of life or behavior) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.” In chapter 2:15 he writes, “that ye may be blameless and harmless (pure and innocent), the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation (Newberry), among whom ye shine (are seen) as lights in the world.” The words of the Lord Jesus, as He spoke to the multitude from the mountainside, should be applied to every Christian’s life. He taught them to be poor in spirit, to mourn (their past sins), to be meek, to hunger and thirst after righteousness, to be merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and to rejoice in persecution. He called them the salt of the earth and light of the world. They were to be a visible influence for good in a dark day. Their (and our) light (life) was to so shine before men, that “they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matt 5:1-16).
Living righteously before our fellow employees is necessary if we are to win them to Christ. But that is not all that will be required to reach them with the gospel. The charge from the Lord was to “preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Although our idea of preaching is generally from a public platform (a most scriptural way of presenting the gospel), the book of Acts shows that many are saved through personal testimony. Once you have won their confidence and befriended them, tell them about the Lord Jesus and the need to know forgiveness of sins through Him. Speaking of your own salvation is sometimes the best place to start.
Admittedly, for many of us, it is often a challenge to learn how to witness. Looking at the life of the Lord Jesus and His disciples, gives us valuable insight into how to be a faithful witness. Understanding where the unbeliever will be in eternity should cause us to have compassion and to pity them (Mark 6:34, Luke 13:34). Prayer is vital. Pray for an opportunity to witness (Col 4:3). Pray for individuals by name. Pray with humility, because salvation is of God (1 Cor 3:6). Have patience, yet be persistent. It takes time for “the seed” to take root (Matt 13:3-8, Luke 5: 5,6). Notice in the gospels how often the Lord Jesus took time to meet the physical needs of people along the way. Many of these individuals then listened to His words and believed on Him, thus having their spiritual need met. Present Christ. Paul said to the Corinthians, “I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins…” (1 Cor15: 3). Phillip speaking to the Eunuch, “began at the same scripture and preached unto him Jesus” (Acts 8:35). Peter and the other apostles, “ceased not to teach and to preach Jesus Christ” (Acts 5:42). Go in the power of the Holy Spirit. “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake” (1Thess 1:5).
