I remember years ago while as a missionary in New York City, I was doing street outreach around the South Street Seaport area in lower Manhattan one afternoon. I was heading back to the subway on my way home when I made eye contact with a man sitting alone on a bench. I stopped for a moment and inquired, “Can I ask you something?” “Sure,” he responded. “Who do you think Jesus is?” He smiled, and retorted mockingly, “Jesus! I hate Jesus! I love the devil!” It didn’t take much wisdom to discern at that moment that he wasn’t interested in Jesus.
We need wisdom in our personal witness, for more often than not what we should say or do when engaging those in our sphere of influence is not quite so simple.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “Walk in wisdom to those who are without, redeeming the time” (Colossians 4:5). What is wisdom? In the biblical sense, wisdom is the ability to judge correctly and to follow the best course of action, based on knowledge and understanding.
In your sphere of influence and mine, we need wisdom regarding next steps in sharing our faith with ‘those who are without (Jesus).”
The ‘best course of action’ among that person with whom you have a testimony will be unique to that individual, your relationship with that person, and what they believe about Jesus.
It may be to invite them out for a meal or coffee and grow the friendship or offer to help them tangibly in some way – mow the lawn, bring them a meal, fix something that’ broken, ect. With that someone with whom you’ve already established a solid relationship, it may be to ask some leading questions about spiritual things. In contrast, it may to intentionally back off a relationship.
I don’t know what that next step looks like, but God does. So we need wisdom as we strive to be a light to others.
Lord Jesus, please grant me wisdom as I seek to be a more effective witness in my relationship with ______. Amen.
