WHEN I SAY, “I AM A CHRISTIAN…”
By Dr. Ray Quiett
For years I had trouble trying to understand why I was so reluctant to talk to others about my faith. I finally figured out that there were two causes. One, I really didn’t know how, and two, I was having difficulty accepting the “prescription” techniques that I was taught. Those techniques seemed harsh and rigid to me. Others seemed to use them with success, but not me. I started looking for ways that worked for me. I have concluded over the years that there are many methods for sharing one’s faith.
Pastor Linda recently preached a sermon on this subject and essentially said that you do not have to “hit a person over the head” with your beliefs in order to communicate your faith to them. You don’t have to come to Jesus by walking down a church aisle, though it is common; you can come to him anywhere. An example is Phillip’s encounter with the eunuch on a roadside (Acts 8:25-40). Billy Graham’s wife, Ruth, often reported that she does not remember the exact time that she committed herself to Christ. For her it was a gradual awareness. This is the wife of the most famous evangelist of our time who is known for the thousands of people who have come forward at his meetings over the years.
It is not necessary to follow a prescribed set of scriptures, such as the “Roman Road,” in order to encourage people to come home to God. You preach your loudest sermon to others without saying a word. You do it with your behavior. Please be aware that I am not talking about keeping strict rules and being aware of every move you make for fear that you will drive someone away. I am talking about behaving in such a way that your lifestyle in Jesus is winsome and attractive. “How do you do that?” you ask. It is simple. You LOVE! When you do loving things people are attracted to what motivates you to do those loving things. Whether you ever tell them or not, they come to know why you behave the way you do.
The problem of becoming legalistic rule keepers is that you often come off looking like a hypocrite. When you act out of love, mistakes that you make are human and people are willing to cut you some slack. Act out of rigid rule keeping and you usually invite disgust in others.
So, how do people become aware of our Christian faith? They see it portrayed in our behavior and actions. If we do what we do in the Spirit of Christ they will see it. “For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5: 22 NIV) If you practice love, those other eight are the natural outcome of loving. What do I say, if I want to communicate to my faith? Speak out of love and you will communicate.
I have had a poem for several years. I don’t know who wrote it or where I got it, but it is a beautiful way to communicate your faith. Here it is:
When I say that ‘I am a Christian’, I am not shouting that I am clean living. I’m whispering ‘I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.’
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not trying to be strong. I’m professing that I’m weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean up my mess.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say ‘I am a Christian’ I’m not holier than thou, I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace, somehow!
When you share your faith with others, that’s all you do. God does the rest. A young bride was sharing with a friend that she had baked her first cake and was happy with the success. She remarked, “I am amazed at how much work the fire did.” Share your faith with others. You will be amazed at how much work the Spirit does.