February 2, 2005
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by John Fischer
Effective witnessing in a postmodern age takes some
knowledge of the culture and a good deal of respect both for the freedom
of the individual to choose, and for the business of God in the process.
Without this, our words can carry the duress of merely one opinion over
another. We become experts with an agenda instead of facilitators of
change.
The key is to develop an open discourse with an atmosphere of dignity,
acceptance and worth. We won’t be able to do this until we truly trust in
the role God plays in this process. We need to remember that God, as
always, is perfectly capable of taking care of the consequences of a
person’s decision, whether it is in line with our beliefs or not. This is
where our responsibility ends and God's continues.
Any decision-making is painful, but it can be made less painful in a
context of openness and love. We are not responsible for someone else’s
decision or reaction to truth. There is no place for false guilt over
failing to persuade or false pride over some perception of success. Our
business is not to make a sale or a convert but to speak openly of what
we know and have experienced, and to genuinely care about others
regardless of their choices.
This leaves us free to offer information and discuss things from a
fact-forming point of view according to a person's philosophy without
fear of “giving up ground” or “watering down the truth.” We are not
trying to get someone to agree with us. We are facilitators of change, at
all times open to our own process and seeking what we can learn from
others along the way. If we are not open to change, how can we expect
someone else to be?
It’s all in knowing the difference between our business and God’s
business. God reveals. God opens eyes. God blinds eyes. God turns on the
light. Remember how He did it for you. You can give another person credit
for accepting you, giving you worth, and introducing you to Jesus, but
you can’t give another person credit for changing your mind. You made the
decision and God turned on the light. We need to give others, and God,
plenty of room to work.
And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to
explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. (1
Peter 3:15-16)
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John Fischer is the Senior Writer for Purpose Driven Life Daily
Devotionals. He resides in Southern California with his wife, Marti and
son, Chandler. They also have two adult children, Christopher and Anne.
John is a published author and popular speaker.
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