“Two things we shouldn’t talk about – politics and religion.” We’ve heard this for years and it seems to hold true, at least for politics. At one time we could have calm, reasonable discourse about political differences, but it seems interactions have devolved into throwing out labels, angry accusations and epithets. But what about religion?
In a future post I plan to revisit the whole “separation of church and state” thing, but is it true that for matters of faith we’re to keep our lips zipped shut and not share what we believe with others? As someone I heard recently ask, should our faith be confined to private opinion or a matter of public confession?
On one hand, I’d agree that we shouldn’t impose our spiritual convictions on others. In our free society we’re entitled to believe what we believe without getting into heated arguments about it. However, for followers of Jesus Christ, failure to share the “good news” in appropriate ways isn’t an option. If Jesus is the only way to God, as He declared in John 14:6, people need to know that.
The key word here, as I understand it, is ‘appropriate.’ I don’t think the “heaven or hell – turn or burn” approach to evangelism is an effective strategy for today. Some may disagree but healthy dialogue at a suitable time and place seems to be a better choice, as the Bible affirms.
We could cite many examples, because ultimately the Scriptures – both Old and New Testaments – seek to point people to a genuine, growing relationship with God. In one of his letters to believers in many regions, the apostle Peter admonished,
“But in your hearts set apart Christ Jesus 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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander” (1 Peter 3:15-16).
There’s a lot to unpack in those two verses, but several key points stand out. We’re to “always be prepared” to share with others what we believe. It could be on an airplane, in a coffee shop, at work during a break or at lunch, or even in church with a spiritual seeker who has questions about God.
However, not everywhere is a fitting place and time for talking about Christ. Years ago I was crossing a street, returning to work from lunch, when in the middle of the crosswalk a guy asked me, “Brother, are you saved?” Standing in a busy street definitely isn’t an appropriate place for a faith conversation. But I suspect that fellow went on his way, convinced he had ‘witnessed’ to someone.
We’re also to “give an answer to everyone asks” why we believe as we do. That suggests that something we’ve said or done has raised some questions among people who aren’t yet followers of Jesus. Another translation expresses it, “give a defense.” This also would presume another person has taken the initiative, perhaps taking the offensive stance of challenging our biblical convictions.
Many people – including former atheists like C.S. Lewis and journalist Lee Strobel – came to saving faith in Christ through reasoned study and discussion, but people aren’t likely to be argued into the kingdom of God by the use of harsh words and disrespectful discourse. This is why the passage says we’re to speak “with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience.”
Looking at the example of Jesus during His public ministry, the only people He became angry with were the religious leaders, men whose knowledge of the Scriptures at that time should have made them more receptive to what the Lord had to say. For everyone else He communicated compassion, sensitivity, and a willingness to meet people where they were – not where He thought they should be.
Another passage that addresses the manner in which we should publicly confess our faith is Colossians 4:5-6. Writing to believers in ancient Colossae, the apostle Paul said we’re to, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Again, there’s a lot of ‘meat’ in this brief passage, but it conveys a few foundational principles about how to express what we believe in private through public interactions. We’re to use wisdom, which God promises to provide if we ask Him (James 1:5). Rather than trying to manipulate a conversation into a spiritual exchange – as admittedly I’ve been guilty of at times – we’re to seek insight into whether a person is ready to hear or even interested in what we believe about Christ.
This is where “making the most of every opportunity” comes in. Sometimes simply saying, “I’m praying for you” or asking, “How can I pray for you?” is enough to plant a seed for a later conversation. Or we might share a small portion of our testimony, telling how God worked in a specific circumstance and how that affected our faith in Him.
“Seasoned with salt” can be understood in several ways. Like adding salt to a meal to make it more flavorful, spiritual ‘salt’ can make a conversation more palatable. Salt also can melt ice, so in talking with someone about Jesus, we might see God use it to thaw cold hearts toward Him. Salt also serves as a preservative, so it can help in leaving a lasting impression on someone God wants us to speak to.
Finally, we need to seek discernment from the Lord on how to answer people who ask questions. A brief reply might be all they’re looking for – we don’t want to dump the whole truckload for someone just wanting a small sample. Other times a deeper conversation might be what’s desired.
We’re to be “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20), and as such we should strive to be sensitive, winsome, and not overbearing. If God’s working in someone’s life, He’ll accomplish what He intends to do. He doesn’t need us to force the issue.
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