I've Got the Answer

"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,"

(1 Peter 3:15)

Do people want what you have? Do they look at you and wonder why you have such hope and happiness? Several years ago a young pastor and his family moved to my hometown. He was a quiet man with a severely twisted spine and a winning smile that lit up every room he entered. He constantly smiled. He consistantly had a positive word to say to those he met. He made everyone want what he had. I often said that if I wasn't already a Christian I would have become one just because of him and his winning attitude. He was a gentle man and I have never heard a bad word about him. He never went about preaching his beliefs but his attitude and his gentle disposition did that for him. If anyone asked the reason for the hope that he had I am sure he would have gladly shared how a relationship with Christ had changed his life.

People won't always agree with our beliefs but our attitude and how we treat others will go a long way towards earning the right to share our beliefs with them. If we are pushy and aggressive in our approach we will repell others. But if we live our life in a way that is pleasing to Christ and show His love to the world then people will ask us about our hope and our faith.

Many Christians have shared with me that they are afraid to witness to others about Christ and I usually tell them just to share about the difference in your own life since you asked Jesus into your heart. When we tell how the Lord has changed our life, it is a personal story. But when we go about witnessing in an aggressive or forceful or argumentative way we will only earn disrespect and people will not want what we have.

Be ready to give an answer when people ask you about the hope you have. Be ready to tell them that you have had your sins forgiven and you know you will spend eternity in Heaven with Christ. That alone is a reason for hope. That alone is something to be happy about and bring a skip to your step.

Romans 1:16 Paul tells us: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes". Let's not be ashamed and not have the courage to share our faith with others. Let's be that person, like this precious minister who came to my hometown, who draws others to a saving knowledge of Christ, just by our attitude and disposition. Let's truly be Christ-like in the way we treat those around us. We are HIS representatives, HIS ambassadors.