Men and Women who Witness

 That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ. And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full. I John 1:3

Our theme today is men and women who witness. But what exactly is a witness, and how does our understanding of witness affect how we go about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ to a world who so desperately needs him? There is a clear difference between telling about someone you have heard about and introducing them to a Person who you know. As the handout indicated, being a "pitchman" most often turns people away. We would come across as trying to sell something. Often times we are in "presentation mode" trying to make a point. I had a young man come to my door last week. He launched into a presentation about pest control. No introduction. No informal talk. Maybe I don't really need his service? I tried to be polite, but there was no way I was going to trust him. It is no different when sharing the Gospel. We will not get anywhere by trying to sell an idea. But there is another way. 

John is writing to people not selling an idea, but inviting them to come to personally know Jesus. For me, it is helpful to remember that Jesus is indeed in me, and that I am only a vessel for His use. I may think I have the "answer", but I know my limitations. Jesus is the "Way, the Truth and the Life", not me. I am not telling someone a story about a man who lived 2000 years ago, I am sharing the very Presence of the Lord Jesus. 

So we begin with listening. The old proverb that God gave us two ears and one mouth so listen twice before you speak, is so true. I sat by a father who was watching his child on the playground. I listened to his story. Sure enough, when he was ready, our conversation turned into spiritual matters. I did not "close the sale" that day, but he gave me his number, and I sent some materials to him later. As Paul writes, one man plants, another waters, another reaps - but it is God that makes the crop grow. Maybe that man will contact me later. Maybe he won't. But I do believe he will be thinking about our conversation. 

Another proverb goes, "You're the only Jesus some will ever see". Do they see Jesus when they see us? Gandhi said he very much liked "our Christ", but was disappointed with Christians because they were so unlike "Our Christ". So really, our theme might well be better stated, "Men and Women who share the very character of our Lord with those who are hurting". They will not care how much we know until they know how much Jesus, in us, cares for them. But let no one become discouraged. I mean, being "like Jesus" is a pretty tall order. In fact, I am quite sure being like Jesus from our human effort is not possible. 

We become like Him, not by trying to live according to what we think he'd do, but by beholding Him: 

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 3:18.

So we become like Jesus by spending as much time with Him as we can. Then we can, like John, invite others to do the same.