Purposeful Peculiarities

One of the hardest things for Christians to do is share their faith publicly. Whether we are talking one-on-one or standing in front of a crowd, witnessing is a scary exercise, not for the faint of heart. But, nothing could be farther from the truth. Sharing our faith, publicly or in an intimate setting, doesn't have to be that way at all. Let me explain ...

Public preaching and/or witnessing aren't always done with words--our lifestyle often preaches louder than any words we could say. A favorite quote of mine is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (it's debatable whether it actually originated with him), but it sums up our call to ministry: "Preach always, use words only when necessary." In other words, our lives should stand out as being different; I believe both Paul and Peter used the word "peculiar".

Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

1 Peter 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.

That word "peculiar" means to be "beyond the usual" or to stand out as light against the backdrop of darkness of this world.

Whether we preach on a street corner at the top of our lungs or quietly pray for a broken heart in a public restroom, we're being watched. If our lives don't reflect the words we preach, we've done nothing other than claim the gospel as counterfeit. We must be living proof of God's ability to redeem, transform, and "call out of darkness into His marvelous light".

You don't have to run up to people with your Bible and immediately start preaching to them. In fact, nothing will drive them off faster! Rather, make yourself known to them as someone who cares, who listens, and who is on their level. Talk about children, cars, school, work, family ... anything that you notice in them that will make them feel comfortable with you as one who understands their place in life. Then, once you've got them talking and listening and sharing, gently guide them into a conversation about the Lord and how He can make a difference in their life. Know your Bible, be ready to answer questions, but most of all be ready to pray.

My favorite thing in the whole world is to go to the grocery store. While I'm pushing my cart up and down the aisles, I hum or sing quietly. When I approach someone going the opposite direction, I make eye contact and smile, acknowledging them with a simple "hello" or "how are you". I can't tell you how many times people have stopped me to tell me it was the first smile they'd seen in days, the first time someone cared enough to ask how they were, etc. Many times I'd end up praying for someone in the grocery store. It's amazing ... I didn't have to say much of anything, just show I cared and show that I have something genuine to share with them, and the door opens right up.

Look for opportunities to show you care, to let your "peculiarities" show, to present yourself as someone who is genuine and who isn't afraid to be different. You'll be surprised how often the door will open to share the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ and minister His grace and mercy to someone drowning in the cares of this world.

© Jan Ross 2007