The Writing on the Wall

A tip on witnessing...

I write this to respond to Patsy's comment on my post about my motivation for witnessing

dear patsy:

I feel your pain! I have found my study of the Martial Arts to be very helpfull in helping me to understand how to witness. I call it the window method or relationship witnessing.

Paul talks about studying to show ourselves approved (2 Tim. 2:15) and Peter talks about being always ready to give an answer for the hope that is within us (1 Pet. 3:15). I liken this to a quote from Bruce Lee. He was talking to his teacher in his movie "Enter the Dragon" describing his fighting style. He said that when his opponent contracts, he expands; and when his opponent expands, he contracts; and when an opening presents itself, he does not hit, it hits by itself. When we witness, we enter into relationships with other people, be it from perfect strangers talking to each other in a gas station or longterm friends discussing matters of the heart. As you talk and interact, they say something to you, and you listen; you say something to them and they listen; and when an opening presents itself, you don't think "witness", you just witness without thinking.

Bruces fighting ability is possible only because of his diligent practice and intention to fight. Likewise our ability to witness instinctively requires us to train diligently with the intention of witnessing. While Bruce Lee trained by learning physical techniques and going through ritual combat sets (forms), talking and listening to his teacher, practicing with classmates, and helping to teach younger students; we train by studying the Word, praying to God, fellowshipping with other believers, and witnessing.

While a well rounded fighter seeks to become proficient in all four ranges of unarmed combat (kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling) a strong Christian should seek to become strong in all four disciplines of Christianity: 1) reading the Word 2) praying in the will of God 3) fellowshiping with believers 4) witnessing. Without training in those four disciplines we (christians) will be never be strong.

Let me end this with a promise:
"For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist." Luke 21:15 Prepare your heart and let the Lord speak through you.

hope this helps you some.

tayl, Read

Posted by GodzScout at July 29, 2003 11:48 PM