To go to share the message of the gospel with children and publically preach, is a wonderful thing and a joyous service. I used to think that was the only way to do it effectively, but I have recently discovered that I unknowingly have become a Silent Witness for God.
I have always been the one to be ready to give an answer to what I asked or thought (based on 1 Peter 3:15), and while polemics may be effective in releasing emotional outbursts of truth, it does not necessarily convince the skeptic. Yet, voicing what you believe and why God is love is not wrong, it is not always the most effective way. Rather it can be replaced with living as an example of Christ (1 Cor. 11:1), and listening to the confirmation of the Holy Spirit (Romans 9:1). This means treating your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit to keep it tidy and clean (1 Cor. 6 esp. v19-20) and living in accordance to the direction of the power, love, and self-discipline provided in that relationship (2 Timothy 1:7). While most important of those is love, the proof often lies in the self-discipline.
Many people can claim to love others and love God, but they forget the action, which can cause trouble in their relationships (1 John 4 and James 2). If we do not exercise resistance to things of this world and pretend that it is ok to live in "close proximity" to the lifestyle of the sin, our lives will become clouded easily lead astray. Muddling the Word of God to "fit our needs" is not heeding the guidance of the Spirit and certainly does not come from the Father above. It may seem what we want at the time, but it is not usually the direction we are being shown. Instead of gratifying the desires of the flesh, we must actively follow the law of God (1 John 2:15-17 and 1 John 3:18).
In doing so, we shall become witnesses. Living by example and not blasting away at a shell of unfaithfulness by throwing words at a wall, can help others see the light of Christ in you. It is helpful to know God's Word and to Pray for guidance as we P-GROW...(Pray, Go to church, Read God's Word, OBEY God's Word, and Witness). Sometimes witnessing comes naturally and that is when we become silent witnesses, reaching folks with little effort and helping others to find their way, or rediscover a lost path so that they can move on to God. While mentoring is a good way to do this, it must also happen in observable action. Resistance to the world is the best way to do this, calmly avoiding the evil things available around us (1 Peter 3:8-12 and Psalm 34:11-14). The best way to do that is to live in a way that shuns the desires of lust and greed, while searching for the truth and living in the innocence of God's love. With this will come wisdom to live and to be at peace with others, then they will be drawn back toward life in Christ. (2 Timothy 2:21-26).
Being a Silent Witness takes effort and commitment. We are made worship God and have been called to Love others.(Matthew 22:34-40) Start with that, and transformation of those around you may take place without you noticing, unless they come to you and ask questions or tell you what your actions mean to them. It is never too late to start, unless Christ returns before you do...(Philippians 1:6, 9-11).
Let us not be given to complacency, but let us follow the last declaration Jesus left to his disciples in Acts 1:8---"You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
Be the person that counts.
That is the challenge.
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