Into the Fire

Witness: 1.a. One who has seen or heard something b. One who furnishes evidence 2.Anything that serves as evidence: a sign

Acts 1:8 He [Jesus] said to them: ". . . But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses . . . to the ends of the earth." (NIV)

I've learned that how a person gives a witness to Jesus Christ depends a lot on two things: his/her denomination and his/her personality. However, whatever the personality type, there is no valid excuse for not being a "witness" to the saving grace of the King of Kings, the Savior of mankind, the Lord of Lords Jesus Christ. If a person testifies to and claims to be a Christian, then there must be evidence to make that person a credible witness.

As Christians, we're called to walk our talk. Sometimes we fail miserably. Sometimes we excel. Imperfect people that we are, we yearn for consistency and desire to present Jesus to a world that detests Him, is ambivalent toward Him, or truly knows nothing about Him. A daunting task that belongs to us all.

What brought this on, you might wonder? Tim Tebow, Aaron Rodgers, Kurt Warner, and Jim Zorn to name a few quarterbacks present and past. All Christian men. Does anyone doubt Tim Tebow is a Christian? The fact that bowing in prayer after football games has been given the nickname of "Tebowing" is one indicator that people have become well aware of his faith. Another indicator is the comment by former QB Jake Plummer who wishes Tim would just "shut up about his faith" because everybody "gets" that he attributes his skills to God. Aaron Rodgers, top QB in the NFL right now according to some, says he prefers to let his actions speak for his faith. Well, actions do speak louder than words sometimes, but if all you're demonstrating is that you're a great guy or gal, and you fail to identify what's at the core of your being, no one will know you are a Christian. Simply pointing to the sky after a touchdown doesn't necessarily give credit where credit is due. Kurt Warner, former Super Bowl QB with two different teams and owning a fabulous testimony, says he had to learn when and what to speak about his faith and assumes Tim Tebow will do the same. Jim Zorn was identical to Tim Tebow when he became the Seattle Seahawks QB. He mentioned Jesus at every interview and he got a lot of them. Jim Zorn's witness is what the Lord used to bring me to Christ.

If you're shy and have a difficult time speaking of your Savior, pray for the power of the Holy Spirit promised in Acts 1:8. Don't let stoic behavior deny you the blessing of telling about the wonder of Jesus and what He brought to us when He came to earth.

We have freedom of speech just like those who oppose the Lord. Just like our detractors we have the right to speak of our faith. And we have the ministry and call to obey the Lord regardless of our stations in this life. We are compelled to be His witnesses.

I know there are many who've claimed the title of Christian who've embarrassed us all, and perhaps at times we've embarrassed ourselves, but this is the reason to make sure our witness is passionate and real, believable and admirable. The Holy Spirit is able to guide us in actions and words if we're willing to allow Him that freedom.

People are lost. Hell-bent. If you believe that "No one comes  to the Father except through me [Jesus]." (John 14:6), then you will constantly be aware of your responsibility to be a good witness. You won't look at Tim Tebow's actions and make excuses for why you don't talk about the Lord who died for you. You won't tire of Tim's passion and purpose. You'll commend him for using his platform to proclaim the most important Person in his young life. 

At least I will . . .

Father, I pray your continued blessing and power in young Tim's life. I pray his boldness will not be shuttered by those who find it embarrassing. May he grow closer to you with each passing day. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.