Lesson #1 (Where do I begin?)

To be an Effective Witness

In order to effectively witness to another person, you must first be someone respected by that individual. If they do not think of you as a godly person or your actions belie your faith, then what you say will be hypocritical in their eyes and your ability to witness for the Lord will be undercut. Your actions speak much louder than your words will ever do.

1 Peter 1:13-15, “therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed…But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do,”

2 Peter 3:11-12, 14, 18, “…what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming...So, then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

1 Peter 2:1-3, “Therefore, rid yourself of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”

1 John 1:5-7, 9, “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live in the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His son, purifies us from all sin…If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins…”

So before you can attempt to witness for the Lord and do your part in fulfilling the Great Commission to speed His return, you must start by plowing your own field and clear your heart of debris that gets in the way of your witnessing. Remove the plank in your own eye before showing others the light of the Lord.

Remember this: the beginning of your witnessing is your actions not your words!

So how do I become an effective witness for the Lord?

Remember this word, P-R-I-D-E.

Just not in the way that you might normally think. The word, pride, is a selfish and arrogant act.

Pride- (defined) an opinion of oneself that is too high; vanity. Self-respecting; conceited; haughty; arrogant. (Webster’s New World Dictionary)

Obviously, we are not saying that you should be prideful for God, Himself, despises this act. What we are saying is learn this acronym and incorporate it into your life so that you can clear your soul of the debris of your sinfulness and better prepare your witnessing ability. Here is the acronym;

Praise others. The act of praise directed at others is a selfless act. Everyone likes praise for it gives them a sense of worth. They will be much more willing to engage in soft talk about their faith and listen to your testimony.

Reign in your tongue. An uncontrolled tongue shows an undisciplined heart. The ability to witness and share your testimony is greatly affected by what you say at ALL times. People are formulating their opinions about you at all times. So when you curse, use foul language, or use malicious words directed at others you are cutting off your witnessing ability at the knees. Remember that each instance where you feel the desire to speak your mind without refrain is an opportunity that God has given you to show your faith. A controlled tongue is a great way to show God’s work in your life!

Involve God in everything you do. This is where you begin to share your life with Him. To build a unique and intimate relationship with the Lord is paramount to your growth as a Christian. The Lord is not some impersonal being that cares nothing of your plight. He desires to have that close personal relationship with you! Share all of your passions and life experiences with the Lord so that you will be on guard from evil temptations and will be much more aware of witnessing opportunities that God presents you.

Do your best in all you do. Integrity is important. It shows honesty and respect for the endeavor that God has allowed you to do. Your character is a witnessing tool all in itself. By giving your best in whatever you do is taking the “talents” that God has given you and using them for His purposes. Use your talents; do not hide them. However, compassion for others and humbleness should be taken into account at all times. Use the activity or environment you are in as a witnessing opportunity not just for selfish gain.

Encourage others. Encouragement is a selfless gift. Having compassion for another’s plight is significant to your witnessing opportunities. We all have good days and bad whether we are God’s children or not. When someone is dealing with adversity during an activity or in life’s trials, being there for them as a crutch to support them or offering encouragement is another great way to witness. It will open the door for other opportunities to share your faith and show them the light of the Lord in your life and what they could have as well.

P-R-I-D-E memorized and incorporated into you life will clear your own field of the debris that gets in the way of your witnessing. Shine your light in this dark and perishing world. Show the light which God has given you so that others will be attracted to the Lord through you. They will be open to your testimony in soft talk. Find a way to remember this anacronym so that before you ever speak a word of faith to another person your character will speak for you.

That is where you begin!