Foundations to Evangelism: Lifestyle and Love

Now that we have learned our obligation and the necessity to evangelize or witness, we must learn how to go about this mission. We must first begin by having a lifestyle that matches up with this message. Our aim is to bring others into a right relationship with Jesus Christ and to live according to His word. How can we convince others to accept this message if we are not accepting this message by our actions?

Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). We are called to obey Christ and one of the reasons is because obedience draws others to Christ. Peter said to “Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that…they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:12). It is expected that good behavior or righteous living would draw others to Jesus. Before we start trying to convince others to follow Christ, we must do so ourselves.

We must consistently work to develop a character like that of Christ. Paul told us to “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). He also said to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5). Towards the end of this statement, He tells us “just as you have always obeyed…work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). This verse does not mean that we earn salvation. It means that we have a responsibility once we have received our salvation. That is, we are supposed to do something in response to it. The response is to obey and to develop character and attitude like that of Christ.

If we live like Christ lived, we will begin to become a light like Him. It was said of Jesus “the people who were sitting in darkness saw a great light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a light dawned” (Matthew 4:16). In fact, Jesus taught that we were light and that we should shine when He said, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden…Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14, 16). Again, just like Peter pointed out that obedience draws people to God, Jesus points out that your character draws people to God. Before you even open your mouth, your lifestyle must be preaching the gospel.

Not only are we supposed to obey and develop character; but also, we are to care about other people. Jesus said, “you shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). He even tells us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Paul tells us to “not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). In fact, it is declared that “undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (James 1:27). It is both righteous living and expressing care for others through actions that shines the light of Christ. In fact, “if a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that” (James 2:15-16). We need to take a genuine, loving interest in people and take action in response to their needs. If we do not care and do not back up our statements by how we live, our attempts to witness will always be hindered.

In response to these thoughts, take a look at your own life to the standard of the Bible. Is there anything that needs to be changed? Are there things you need to stop doing or start doing? Begin to take steps to make any corrections to your lifestyle that are needed. You will begin to see an increase in your effectiveness to reach the lost. Begin to pray for other people, so that you will begin to develop an interest and concern for them. It is for this reason that Jesus tells us to “pray for those who persecute you,” because He understands how this will impact your interest and care for them (Matthew 5:44). Taking these steps will lay a foundation for you to become an effective witness.