So far I have written about Jesus knowledge of scripture and his public identification with God as two of his witnessing tools. A third arrow in Jesus' witnessing quiver will be prephaps one of the most difficult for some. That is the development of a winsome personality. Jesus Christ was a person other people wanted to be around.
- His first miracle was at a wedding celebration. (John 2:1-22)
- When he asked people to leave all behind and travel with him, they immediately complied. (Luke 5:11-28)
- There are multiple recordings of when Jesus was eating meals with a variety of people. A few examples of these times are located in Luke 7:36, Mark 2:13-15, and Luke 10:38
Often times as Christians we like to offer up the excuse, "Well it is because I am a Christian that no one eats with me at work or invites me to the after work get togethers." While that may well be the legitimate reason in some cases, I surmise that all too often this exclusion from social events may revolve around how the Christian acts/reacts in social situations. No one likes a saved or unsaved know-it-all. People tend to shun judgementals regardless of their heaven-status. Self-centered individuals are seldom included even if their name is written in the Book of Life.
If you are treated as a social pariah at work or school, examine how you relate to others on a personal level. Jesus, God incarnate, perfect in thought, word and deed was involved in social events throughout his life and ministry. If his Christianity did not make him a social outcast, why should we use ours as an excuse?
Pray that God will make us individuals to which others will be drawn. If the Holy Spirit convicts you (me) in this area, make this an intentional area of self-improvement. Allow God to shape and mold your (my) personality in a manner that it will draw, rather than repel, others.
We can't talk to people about Jesus if people won't talk to us about the Oscars.
We can't talk to people about Jesus if people won't talk to us about the Oscars.
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