Our everyday witness does not need to be underestimated, nor does it need to be overlooked. Each day we are given opportunities to share the gospel and the love of Jesus. While many people might argue against this, we are truly given multiple chances to show the love of Christ in our everyday lives and to be a witness of Him.
Here are five ways we underestimate our everyday witness:
1. Our Witness to Family
One way we underestimate our everyday witness is to our families. While I don't have a spouse or children, I can testify that my mother was always a witness to me as a child. She was constantly sharing Christ in her actions, not only with myself and my two older sisters but also with my dad. He was an unbeliever, yet my mom was constantly witnessing to all of us in our everyday lives. Through placing others over her own interest and well-being to working long hours to afford everything we needed, my mom was always a witness to our family.
I cannot be one hundred percent sure that my mom was aware of her everyday witness, but I am sure that my mom underestimated how much that impacted us as children. My older sister, who is the middle of three, frequently talks about how much my mom's witness to Christ helped grow and cultivate her own relationship with Jesus. If you are a mom or a dad, never underestimate how much your daily witness affects those around you. By showing Christ in your actions, you could help lead your children to the Lord and your spouse.
2. Our Witness to People at Stores
A second way we underestimate our everyday witness is to the people we see at various stores or anywhere we run errands. Sure, it might seem like nobody is watching us at the grocery store or our favorite department store, yet these are actually great places to be a witness for Christ. In the way we act, interact with others, and treat others kindly, we can be a witness for Christ. Maybe you have been underestimating your own witness when you allow someone to go ahead of you in the line or when you turn a negative situation into something positive, such as turning the negative situation of a long line into an opportunity to share the gospel.
My sister used to be really big on leaving Bible tracts in various places, including grocery and department stores. Who knows how many people saw these tracts and helped them come to know the Lord? While many people would dismiss this as not being an effective form of evangelism, tracts can be a way to help others learn about Christ. Never underestimate the little things you do in your everyday life as a witness for Jesus.
3. Our Witness to Strangers on the Street
Almost a year ago, I started walking in a new neighborhood, and since then, I have met many strangers who have become friends. Through talking with them, I have found out they are also Christians and desire a deep relationship with God. This has been refreshing to me as it can be hard to find Christians who support, encourage, and care about you. In a way, they have been more of an everyday witness to me than I have been to them, and I am deeply thankful for them.
Maybe you've noticed someone new in your neighborhood, and you've started talking with them. Your actions and words in your everyday life could impact them to know Christ or help them grow in their relationship with Him. As someone who is constantly in need of encouragement, it can truly lift your spirits when someone comes and walks alongside you in your struggles. While nobody is perfect, God has blessed us with other believers to help build us up, encourage us, and support us in our everyday lives.
4. Our Witness to Those Watching Us
A fourth way we underestimate our everyday witness is by underestimating those who watch us while we are unaware. Yes, I'm aware this can sound semi-creepy, but it's not meant to be that way. Rather, we never need to underestimate our everyday witness because there is always someone watching us. In fact, if they know we are a Christian, they are going to be watching our actions all that more closely and seeing if our actions line up with our words. Maybe you have been unaware of how you are a witness in your everyday life by simply obeying what God commands His children to do.
We never know who is watching us, which is why it is important to be a good witness for Christ. My dad grew up in the 1950s-1960s, and a common saying was that many people had two identities–one identity at church and one at home. When they were at church, they were witnesses for Christ, yet when they went home, they would be the exact opposite. This is why it is important for us to always be intentional in our everyday witness because we never know who is watching. They will associate our actions with Christ, and we never want to give an inaccurate view of our Savior.
5. Our Witness to the Person Struggling
Our witness to the person struggling is a fifth way we underestimate our everyday witness. You never know when a simple, kind word, a compliment, or a smile can make someone's entire day. If you're like me, maybe you tend to have more bad days than good ones. A kind word or a smile from someone I don't even know can make me feel better. As we can see, a small gesture such as this costs nothing and doesn't take much time, yet it can leave the person who is struggling with a new sense of hope.
It can be easy to underestimate our everyday witness, yet for the person struggling, it can aid in their present struggle. If they see the kindness and love of Christ in someone's actions, it could be the turning point of going in a new direction or seeking proper help. Not to mention how much someone struggling needs support and care, and you are providing it by being an everyday witness. This kindness, love, and support do not need to be overlooked because it does matter, and God sees everything.
From simply holding the door open for the person behind you to actively sharing the Gospel with someone who doesn't know Christ, you are being a witness in your everyday life. It can be easy to underestimate ourselves, and what we can do, yet God never underestimates us. He knows we are capable of great things, and He provides many opportunities for us to share His great love. The next time you go throughout your day, try to be mindful of all the ways you are an everyday witness of Christ.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/VioletaStoimenova
Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate: https://cultivatechristianity.wordpress.com/.