Christian Living
How to Be a Fruitful Witness
Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Oct 22, 2018
hftpc ad 23

FOR YOUR GIFT OF ANY AMOUNT

A 2017 study conducted by American Culture and Faith Institute revealed that only 39 percent of born again Christians believe they have a personal responsibility to share their faith. This isn't surprising when we consider that only 3 out of 10 born again adults have a Biblical worldview. No wonder Christians aren't witnessing to the lost in their midst!

It's all the more paramount that born again believers with a Biblical understanding not give up sharing Christ. Many Christians believe they must take a stand for Christ in their own strength—and so they become discouraged. Others are crippled by their fear of rejection. As followers of Christ, we must overcome these hindrances, trusting that Christ within us will give us the words to say. What's the key to being a fruitful witness? Obedience. When we obey God's leading, our work will bear fruit—even if we don't see it—because we are doing His work. 

What's the key to being a fruitful witness? Obedience.

 
In Haggai 1:1-14, because of opposition and discouragement, the Israelites had halted their mission to rebuild God's temple for 16 years. Through the prophet Haggai, God revealed something that was holding them back: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come to rebuild the Lord's house'" (Haggai 1:2).

How many of us have used the same age-old excuse? "It's not the right time." God's convicting response in Haggai 1:4 would probably sound like this to us today: "You have time for entertainment, and you have time for your career. But do you have time for My service?"

In Haggai 1:12-14, after God revealed the state of their hearts, the Israelites did not want to remain apathetic any longer. By God's mercy and grace, they returned to the Lord. God can always redirect us when we have forgotten our purpose.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for forgetting the urgency and beauty of the call to share Your Gospel. Redirect my heart to be centered on You and to do the work You have called me to do. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel" (Ephesians 6:19).