S22P3 – Community for testimony
Matt. 28:19
Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit
There is a Christian archetype we likely all know but would not wish to be. It is the one who keeps his faith to himself. He thinks that it is sufficient to know God and receive salvation then sit back and enjoy his security. And while he may take steps to increase his faith and knowledge, one cannot grow in Christ in a vacuum. We simply were not designed that way.
Today’s verse reminds us of a very critical component to our Christian walk. We are to share our faith and ourselves with others. Those who try to go it alone and live in solitude will not be able to fulfill the calling we all have, which is to share the good news with others and live a life that is a testimony to all that Jesus is and has done. How can one serve as a witness to the fallen world if one does not engage with that world? We are neither designed nor called to be alone. Fulfillment of God’s plan for our lives requires that we engage with those around us for his purposes.
In order for us to be the witnesses that we are called to be, we must witness to someone. We cannot keep our lamps hidden under the table because that is not where they are effective. We must desire to shine the light of our faith on others and testify about Jesus Christ through the relationships God allows us to have. Father, remove from us any desire to keep our faith to ourselves, and give us a boldness that thirsts for the human interaction necessary to live a life that testifies to the greatness of You, your Son and your Spirit.