You Already Are One
When it comes to being a witness (Acts 1:8), it’s never a matter of “Will you be one?” Rather, it’s always a matter of “What kind will you be?”
This is abundantly clear in Acts 1:8, when Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
Notice that when Jesus stated to his disciples that they—and all believers who would eventually follow them—would be filled with the Holy Spirit for the purpose of being a witness, he wasn’t presenting a suggestion; he was making a declaration. His words are a statement, not a request.
The same conclusion is true in his final words to his disciples on Mount Olivet in what we know as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20). His command to “make disciples of all nations” isn’t just one idea in a first-century brainstorming session led by Jesus; it’s the only option—the clear command—he left us. Our job isn’t to approve it or vote on it. It’s to obey it.
That’s why, when it comes to Christ’s final and parting words, the truest question we can ask ourselves is not, “Will I be a disciple-making witness?” but rather, “What kind of disciple-making witness am I?”
As you think about that penetrating question today, sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s convicting voice, simply consider your next step. Perhaps it is to commit to learning how to succinctly share your testimony. Maybe it means expanding your circle of relationships so that you actually meet more unbelievers. It could be you need to adjust your demeanor so that you’re more winsome in your witness. Or possibly you may need to make intentional appointments with your lost friends in order to cross the threshold of opportunity and ask the most important questions.
Whatever your next step, realize it isn’t a step towards agreeing to be a witness. It’s a step towards accentuating the witness you already are. For good or bad, you are one. Are you a good one?
What a privilege we have been given—to represent King Jesus, living as an ambassador for him and sharing his worth and weight through our words and actions. Embrace this delightful duty we all share, asking your Heavenly Father to empower you to be the best kind of witness possible for the glory of his name.
Pastor Todd