Most people have heard the motto of the Boy Scouts: “Be Prepared.” This motto, developed by Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell, is described in the Boy Scout Handbook as having the idea that, “Scouts should prepare themselves to become productive citizens and strong leaders and to bring joy to other people. [Baden-Powell] wanted each Scout to be ready in mind and body and to meet with a strong heart whatever challenges await him.”
As Christians, we have a responsibility to be prepared to share the good news of our faith with others, to be a witness for Jesus Christ. We should follow the guidance given by Peter under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1 Peter 3:15. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” Let us consider this challenge and how we can faithfully embrace it.
Sanctify the Lord God in Your Hearts
So many times, Christians are referred to by the lost as hypocrites. Unfortunately, there is often a good reason for this! It is because Christians are not living like Christians. The question has been posed, “If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?” Are you bringing forth “fruits meet for repentance?” (Matthew 3:8)
To sanctify something is to consecrate it, to set it apart and dedicate it for a holy purpose. To sanctify God in our hearts is to view Him and His will as the most important thing in our lives. And He is! When we have the right perspective of ourselves, of eternity, and of God, it is clear to see that God should take first place in our hearts. Having a right relationship with God will allow us to respond in obedience to His commands, including discussing and defending our faith.
Be Ready Always to Give an Answer
Whether you are currently a student or not, you can recall the practice of studying for a test. The goal of such a study is to prepare for the test such that no matter what question is asked, you can provide the correct answer. A lack of preparation and study can often lead to disappointment in the form of a poor grade on the test.
As Christians, we should be obedient to the guidance provided in 2 Timothy 2:15 to, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Bible study should be a daily practice of the Christian life. We should long for God’s Word as we read in 1 Peter 2:2, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”
To Every Man that Asketh You
Some people are easier to love than others. We just ‘click’ with certain people with similar personalities or interests. While having favorites is normal, playing favorites when sharing the gospel is not.
Consider Jonah from the Old Testament. He is famous for running from God’s command to preach a warning to the people of Nineveh, a wicked people who had no love for the things of God. No doubt some might see this as a difficult ‘mission field,’ but nothing is too hard for God. Despite their sins, God still loved the Ninevites enough to send a warning of impending judgment if they refused to repent.
One sad truth that we learn from reading Jonah is that it was not that Jonah was afraid that God would not forgive the people of Nineveh; he was afraid that God would forgive them! Jonah believed the Ninevites were unworthy of God’s love. Jonah disliked the people of Nineveh so much that God’s sparing them of judgment angered him to the point that he wished that he were dead (Jonah 4:1-3). He had no compassion on the citizens of Nineveh.
It is clear from even a cursory examination of the Bible that God loves everyone. He “so loved the world” that He sent His only Son as a sacrifice for their sin (John 3:16). Jesus Christ died for the sins of all people. No one is beyond God’s ability or willingness to save. We must be able and willing to share the good news with everyone.
A Reason of the Hope that is in You
As Christians, we have a blessed hope! (Titus 2:13) This is not a wish like, “I hope that it does not rain tomorrow.” No, this is a sure expectation rooted in God’s promises to His children. If we have asked Christ to forgive our sins and to be our Savior, we know that we have passed from death unto life, and now possess eternal life and the promise of a home in heaven with God and the saints throughout eternity! We have a Friend who never leaves us or forsakes us, daily loading us with benefits. We have hope!
Sadly, many today have no hope. Do you remember what it was like to have no hope? There are those that we encounter every day that are searching for hope, for meaning, for peace. They are chasing fleeting happiness instead of lasting joy. They are pursuing culture and materialism instead of contentment. We must be busy sharing our hope with others, for God offers an infinite supply for hurting hearts.
With Meekness and Fear
Jude 3 urges us to, “…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints.” Our message is clear: faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we must avoid getting entangled in fruitless debates that have no eternal value, such as political arguments and personal preferences.
We are called to contend for the faith, but not to be contentious. Defending your faith is not a matter of being argumentative or looking for a fight. We will never argue anyone into heaven. Instead, we should follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who was “meek and lowly” and whose “burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30). We should humbly point the way to the cross, sharing the good news of God’s love and the free gift of salvation.
Are You Ready?
We do not know when the Lord Jesus Christ will return. But we do know that one day, possibly very soon, He will return to call His children home. After that, it will be too late for us to share the good news with our lost friends, family, and neighbors. Christ has given us a Great Commission to reach our Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and world with the gospel (Acts 1:8). Are you ready? If you are not, ask God for help. He will give you wisdom, go with you, and empower you to reach the world for Christ.
For more resources to learn how to witness to others, click HERE.
Related Article: 5 Lessons on Witnessing
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