How much is too much?
This past week, we had too much rain. Although the above picture appears to be a small stream (and in actuality was a stream when I took the picture), this is a road leading to one of our pastures. Torrential rainfall can cause a lot of damage.
Many things, when arriving in the “too much” category, can cause harm. Examples include:
- Too much sun
- Too much food
- Too much isolation
- Too much stress
You get the idea.
Of course, there is one thing I believe we can never have too much of…
Jesus
Most Christians would likely agree that we can never have too much of Jesus in our lives. As part of our practice of faith, we are encouraged to be in God’s Word (scripture reading and Bible study), be involved with a fellowship of believers (praise and worship of our Lord), and be often in prayer. These are established methods that generations of faithful Christian have incorporated to strengthen their relationship with Jesus.
But…there is often a but, isn’t there?
What about witnessing?
If we are Christians–we are called to witness, to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ, to teach others about our Lord and Savior, to make disciples…
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded of you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
Many of us struggle with this calling. How do we witness to people without being intrusive, pushy, or overbearing? How do present the Gospel of Jesus in such a way that people don’t become angry, confused, or less receptive to seeking Jesus as their Savior? How do we react if our witnessing is unwelcome?
When does witnessing become too much?
Let me point out, with humility and regret–I do not have all the answers to these questions. I welcome your feedback and suggestions of strategies that have been successful for you.
Thoughts to consider…
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
I believe the best witness we can provide in any situation is to be a light for Jesus. Thus, we exemplify His presence in our lives by letting His Light shine through all our actions–every word, every deed, all that we do. The old adage, “actions speak louder than words” most definitely holds true when we are trying to live a life that honors our God. No one will appreciate hearing the Good News of Jesus from us unless our lives show that we live His example.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
Once we are striving our best to live a life adhering as much as possible to Christian principles (i.e. the Fruit of the Spirit), we can pray for God to place opportunities into our lives to be a witness. This can take many forms–offering to pray for someone, reaching out to a neighbor in need, or not responding in anger or aggression when we feel we have been mistreated. (Keep in mind that we are not perfect–we all make mistakes and have moments of doubt and fear, but our Lord will help us).
He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Mark 16:15
As we begin to reach out more to assist others, we can choose to ask God to place additional opportunities in our path. Are we ready to minister to new Christians or to those struggling in their faith? These challenges are harder and involve increased prayer time and study to prepare us for this next step in our journey.
Now, to the hardest part…
When we are provided with opportunities to witness, how do we proceed so that we can make a difference (be a light) without getting rebuffed?
- Continue to pray–when preparing for the conversation and during your time with this person.
- If possible, take time to develop a relationship first, before beginning to share the Gospel of Jesus with them.
- Avoid being judgmental.
- Keep it simple. Share the story of Jesus, His great love for them. Be careful not to overwhelm them initially.
- Share just a scripture or two at your first meeting. More with additional sessions.
- Answer their questions respectfully, with care for their feelings, but being certain to keep our Lord’s lessons at the forefront of the conversation. Remember the lessons of the Parables, Jesus used stories to help His listeners understand the greater principle.
- Remember, the conversation is with and about them. Although, it’s good to share a little of your story, this is not the time to share your entire testimony. Keep the focus on the other person, not yourself.
- Pray together with them.
- Try to set up additional meetings if possible. New and struggling believers need ongoing mentoring.
Remember, we are sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ. Our Lord will equip us for the task.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7
You may not have “all the answers” my friend; but the answers you have are humdingers! I found myself offering up “Amens” in several places throughout your post. Our best witness is the way we live our lives. I always pray, and I know it’s maybe not fair to my poor Ms. Diane, that my worst behavior be at home and not in the public eye. With that said, it’s also important to set the right example with and for our families too. If we are to be salt and light, then we need to be that for everyone and in every situation. I realize that isn’t always the case; and when it’s not, we have to be humble enough to recognize it and ask forgiveness. Another great post ma’am. Let us never be “too much” for someone.
God’s blessings ma’am.
I agree, J.D., that we often exhibit our “worst” selves at home. I’ve been guilty of that. But, sometimes we are at our best at home and don’t even realize it. I’ve heard folks offer compliments to my family and other parents about how well behaved our children were. Children that have good manners and are kind to others learn that from their parents. And sadly, the opposite is also true, parents who do not lovingly discipline their children reap the consequences of their misbehavior.
You make a really important point, my friend. Asking forgiveness is essential for a loving home and in any relationship. We aren’t always perfect–we mess us–we need to confess that, not just to God, but to the person we have wronged and ask forgiveness. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. May God bless you all and keep you save in his Love.
Too much? I’d have to say too much focus on myself and my weaknesses rather than drawing on the sufficiency of Christ and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Both will give me preparation and courage for the moment and also restraint when timing isn’t right.
I agree, Marilyn. Often, I turn inward and complain that “I’m not equipped” or make excuses such as “I don’t want to bother them”, etc. I’m sure you know what I mean. Thank you for reminding us that the Grace of our Lord is sufficient for all He calls us to do and He WILL empower us to complete the calling.
Witnessing is something I struggled with, and used to lean mainly on the “witness by example” model. I’m getting better and no longer take rejections personally.
Your tips are great! Especially the first one.
Thank you, Candyce. Sometimes I tend to blame my struggles with witnessing on my shyness and introverted personality, but I KNOW Jesus will show me the way. I’m still working on not taking rejections personally, but with His help, I’m getting there! I’m grateful for your encouraging message.
Katherine, what a wonderful message to us. You offered a balance of living our lives in a way that exemplifies Christlikeness, but you also encouraged us to share a witness with words when we can. Your wise suggestions to pray and to focus on the other person instead of ourselves are keys for an effective witness. We can pray that the Holy Spirit will prepare the listener and the speaker.
You’ve emphasized the most important aspect of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others–PRAY! Praying that we have the opportunity to share–Praying God will grant us the grace and words to share–Praying the individual with whom we are speaking will be receptive according to God’s plan. Thanks so much for reminding us of the vital importance of prayer in all aspects of our lives. Wishing you a blessed day, my friend.
I think your suggestions for how to witness are well-thought out with the emphasis on prayer and the needs and present knowledge and situation of the person you’re with! Getting to know the person, establishing a relationship, and being respectful are so important! Thank you for your wise advice, Katherine!
I heard on the news this morning that one good outcome of the pandemic has been reduced human travel and activity in the ocean. As a result whales, dolphins, giant turtles, and other sea life are thriving. While I won’t go so far to say that we humans are thriving in this time of isolation and anxiety, one good outcome of the pandemic has been the increased use of social media to interact with those who we would otherwise be completely separated from. Animals and humans are resilient. I hope and pray that the lessons we’ve learned during this time will carry on and we will be more aware of the importance of building and maintaining good relationships (and taking care of our animals and our environment). Thank you for your kind and encouraging response, Kathy.
Thank you so much for the reminder that we need to share the gospel as much as possible. I used to do street evangelism, and we were told to not chase rabbit trails, but focus on the cross. I pray for all of us opportunities, boldness, and to be led by the Holy Spirit in the days ahead to share the gospel with everyone around us. Blessings.
Oh, I so admire you for your commitment to evangelism. That is courageous of you, such a good example for us. Thank you for your wonderful prayer. I repeated it three times! Your words are exactly what we need to encourage us.