“You will be My witnesses…” — Acts 1:8
We can all be called faithful witnesses. We may be called to the courtroom to describe a crime that occurred. Some of us have likely witnessed a car accident and were asked by law enforcement to tell the truth about what we saw. Local new media rushes to the scene of a weather event, looking for eyewitnesses who can explain what happened. When I was a small boy, my great, great-grandmother told me about her time living in Gettysburg and about listening to President Lincoln give one of the most concise, powerful speeches in American history. Tour guides are asked daily to provide an account of a place they know intimately.
What about being a witness for Christ? Have you told others of how God has worked in your life? Can you recall the name of a friend who has stayed steady during difficult times? Can you remember a time in a small group where a man admitted his failures and talked about how Christ restored him? Do you know someone who forgives people rather than holds a grudge against someone who has wronged them?
Faithful witnesses just relate the facts. They don’t embellish the truth, or try and insert themselves into the story. That’s the heart of Acts 1:8: a witness simply shares what he’s sees God doing in and through his life.
application
Yes, a witness (disciple) stays open to the Spirit’s prompting to tell Christ’s story and to give evidence of His birth, death, and resurrection. A witness shows Christ through steady, everyday faithfulness and obedience—whether with others or alone.
He lets his choices—not to rush ahead or take control, his responses—to be measured and prayerfully considered, and his fruit-producing character testify to the reality of Jesus. He sides with truth—gently but firmly when things may get uncomfortable. He notices the needs of the people around him and moves toward them instead of overlooking their hardships. He treats interruptions as opportunities. He is gospel-aware, ready to speak a timely word or offer a prayer.
He lives in such a way that his life tells the truth about Jesus long before his words.
live it out
Today, step into your routine with the confidence that God has placed you exactly where He wants you—at the job you’re in, on the street where you live, in the community you influence, and among the believers you worship with. In God’s economy, nothing is accidental and no opportunity is wasted.
Pay closer attention to the men you work alongside, the neighbor who lingers past your door when walking his dog, to the fellow at church who regularly asked for prayers for his failing wife, or his son who left the faith after attending college. These are not distractions that occur to upset your daily routine. God is looking to stretch your faith, to use your gifts, to place you in the very moments where His presence can be made visible through you. He’s inviting you to step toward people, not around them.
Consider this: “Where is God inviting me to be a quiet, faithful witness today?“
Photo by David Veksler on Unsplash
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Traits describe the man God desires—
Paths develop the man God uses.
