READY TO GIVE A REASON

 

As a follower of Christ, I should know what I believe and why I believe it. Consequently, it is to produce a living hope in me.  The Christian faith is such, that it changes us in tangible ways and we must long to share that reality so it can impact others, as well.

Peter speaks to OUR DEVOTION, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts…”. The sharing of our faith with others is foremost a matter of obedience. We have been commanded to witness to Christ by the Lord God Himself.  We are set apart to shine as lights in the darkness of this world.  Our love for God is the foundation of our love for others.

The Apostle then points to OUR DECLARATION, “and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you.”  There should be something so different about us—a hope so profound—that others recognize it and ask about it. Sharing Jesus does not require beating someone’s door down to do so, but they may beat a path to our door to discover why we can face the challenges of life with a radiant peace and joy.  Those in the world should see that we have something they don’t have and something they need. This is being the salt of the earth; salt makes you thirsty.  It creates a thirst for God in others.

Then, Peter indicates OUR DISPOSITION, “with meekness and fear.”  Meekness is not weakness. It is a disposition of humility. We do not talk down to sinners, for we recognize apart from the grace of God we would still be in the same state.  An attitude of smug sanctimony is not attractive, but repulsive. Someone has defined witnessing as one beggar tell another beggar where to find bread.  The fear of which Peter speaks is not the fear of man—that is what often paralyzes our vocal cords. Rather, it is the fear of God—our reverence for His authority and purity—knowing we will give account to Him concerning whether we seize opportunity or shirk responsibility. Hell is real—and family and friends are going there without Christ. That should move us to speak to them about the only source of salvation.

Having a visible devotion and proper disposition makes our witness credible. Giving a ready declaration makes our faith comprehensible. All these elements are essential for sharing the hope of Christ to a hopeless world.

WASTED WORDS

“He who corrects a scoffer gets shame for himself, And he who rebukes a wicked man only harms himself. Do not correct a scoffer, lest he hate you; Rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; Teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” (Proverbs‬ ‭9:7-9‬ ‭NKJV‬‬)

There was a pastor who became an undertaker. When they asked him why, he answered, “Now, when I straighten them out, they stay straight!”  I can sympathize.  The truth is, however, that we don’t have to straighten everyone out.  That is the work of the Spirit.  You cannot make a blind man see or a deaf woman hear.  Yet, we may be the personality type who insists on trying.

Jesus put it this way, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you in pieces.” (Matt.‭7:6‬). Sometimes, it is best to let sleeping dogs lie.  The scoffer is not one who needs more information.  They have already heard the truth and have rejected it—militantly and stridently.

Some preachers would have been better being pugilists.  They continually climb into the ring with their verbal fists up.  Saying the right thing, the wrong way, the wrong time, to the wrong person, is still wrong. Often, the root of our relentless stream of rebuke is a motive to be right.  We may be more concerned to win an argument than to win a soul—a point of pride.

Christ’s counsel was, “And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” (‭Luke‬ ‭9:5‬). Words are worth too much to waste.  Go on to the next person—they might listen.  Instruct the wise and they will become more wise and love you—even if you rebuke them.

There are times we must stand up and speak to the scoffers.  It is not so much about them as reinforcing our own convictions and to let the weak and wavering who are listening to them know that they need not be swayed by their folly.  May God give us discernment to know when to speak up and when to shut up.  Words are worth too much to waste.  Sow Gospel seed on receptive soil if you can, and do not cast it on rocks intentionally.  Opportunity is fleeting.

Regeneration is a supernatural work.  If I can talk someone into believing something, someone else can talk them out. There is a place for apologetics, but there is also a time to say our piece and move on. The natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit (1 Cor.2:14). It is foolishness to them.  God does use the power of the Gospel we share to do a miracle, but in the final analysis, a miracle is what it takes—not our brilliance and eloquence.