If God is the light of the world and the only hope, then why do we Christians hide that light under a bushel as we go about our day? Is there anyone that you met today that you have told about Christ? Are you spending your day with a soft prayer to Christ going out so that you remain sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit to speak? What do you need to do to become an effective witness for Christ?
Psalm 119: 130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.
131 I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.
132 Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name.
133 Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me.
134 Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts.
135 Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes.
136 Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.
137 Righteous art thou, O Lord, and upright are thy judgments.
138 Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful.
Look at what the Psalmist said, "Rivers of waters run down mine eyes". When was the last time that you looked around you at the sin in the world and cried for the lost? I must confess that it is very easy to become hardened and not care. Oh, we may pray halfheartedly for our nation; but do we care enough to become a witness ourselves? If we do witness, are we doing it with empathy and compassion or are we mechanically going through the steps to hear the clamor of our own voices? What are the necessary elements to becoming a witness for Christ?
Element #1: Study the Word of God. If the light that shines out of darkness to change men’s hearts is the word of the Lord, then you need to know His word. (2 Corinthians 4:6; John 1:1-4;
Element #2: Constant Prayer. This includes not only that quiet time of prayer alone with God that you are asking for His heart for the lost world; but also that continuous open line of communication that you have throughout the day. Our minds are continuously going, caught in a whirlwind of thoughts–is it not reasonable that we remember God is with us with the Holy Spirit dwelling in us? When I remember this, I can remain in constant prayer while going about my day. Well, you might say some of my thoughts I don’t want to share with God (as though He didn’t hear them anyway) God is walking beside us and hears our every thought, the difference known when we recognize this and allow our thoughts to become like a conversation with our best friend–then we become open to the Holy Spirit’s prompting us as to when to speak and when to remain silent. I have found this to be true. On those days that I give God the silent treatment, I can’t hear His voice and my day becomes filled with frustrations.
Element #3: Willingness to be a Servant. Are you willing to be a servant for Christ? Are you willing to be criticized by others for your testimony? Are you willing to lose everything to gain Christ? Is Christ your greatest treasure? (Romans 10:14; Galatians 1:10; Ephesians 6:6)
Element #4: Compassion for the lost. The Bible refers to God’s compassion for mankind throughout the word of God; indeed, were it not for His compassion—I, too would be condemned to eternity without Him–the only true source of Joy, Love, and Hope. Psalm 78: "37 For their heart was not right with him, neither were they stedfast in his covenant. 38 But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath. 39 For he remembered that they were but flesh; a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again." Once we have experienced His compassion, how is it that we so quickly become smug in our own salvation and look down at those who are lost or who are different? My children would tell you that I have only been protected by God’s gracious hand when I have taken in some to help or have walked down the worst streets of Orlando to rescue another soul I was trying to help; yet, I do not suggest you do the same without going back to Element #2 and being certain it is God’s Voice directing you. Those moments when it was me only going forth to do God’s work and not waiting for Him– ended in disappointment–so I have learned the importance of prayer and doing things on His timing, His way and never running ahead of Him. Don’t try to cross the river until He builds the bridge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCwn7cV4AD0 (Preview)