The Watchful

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. - Colossians 4:2-4

 

Several years ago, I was in conversation with a group of friends, most of which were self proclaiming Christians. The conversation started about a particular something and casually became about a particular someone, almost without our noticing. After a few minutes of criticism about this person (who was not present), a friend who was not a Christ follower interrupted, saying "and you guys call yourselves Christians?" I wasn't personally involved in the words being spoken against this person, but it was the first time in my faith walk I realized that we were being observed by unbelievers. Not just as people but particularly as Christians. I suddenly felt shame and embarrassment that we as a group had so poorly misrepresented Jesus to an observer we were unaware of. I wondered how many other times I had been watched as an Image bearer without my knowledge.

Once identified as a believer in Jesus, we have the incredible opportunity to share, both directly and indirectly. We not only have the gift of a redemption story to tell, we get to show Him to the World by our words, actions, decisions and encounters. Have you ever met a stranger and just knew they were a brother or sister in Christ? I have. Some people radiate the Lord and even fellow believers can't help but take notice!

There are so many ways we can share the Good News of salvation. Jesus didn't commission the scholars of His day, He commissioned His followers; the young, uneducated fishermen and tax collectors. They didn't have all the answers or all the knowledge, but they had an incredible story about an incredible God who changed their lives, and that's a story worth sharing. So, whether debating biblical truths, explaining the message of salvation, sharing a personal story of redemption, or just displaying Christ through day to day encounters:

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians 4:5-6