Witnesses are people who testify about what they have seen and heard. They help other people discover the truth about various situations.

The last thing that Jesus is recorded as saying to his disciples is “You shall be my witnesses.” He also told them, “Go and make disciples.” Those two statements describe the role, (the vocation and responsibility) of a Christ-follower on earth. Jesus wants His disciples to be “in the world but not of the world.”

Jesus said His followers are to be “the salt of the earth.” When salt is added to food it changes its flavor, but it doesn’t become the food. Salt is in the food but not of the food. In the same way Christians should influence the world, but not think, speak, and behave with the world’s attitude.

Christians should make disciples by being living examples of a Spirit-led lifestyle — directed from within by “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” They are called to be “the light of the world” by continually radiating the character, presence, and power of the risen Jesus. Every single Christian should be a godly content creator and holy influencer directing people to the glorious beauty of Christ — not a sponge that soaks up the hostile, vain, negative, dishonest, sexually obsessed, competitive, carnal, and cruel content of their culture.

When Christians think, talk, and act like the proud and self-focused society around them they lose their witness. Instead of shinning Christ’s light they merely reflect the culture around them. Rather than being a missionary to bring light to the world, they become the world’s mission field and absorb its darkness.

Instead of blessing those who curse them, too many Christians are the ones doing the cursing. Instead of loving their enemies, too many Christians are spewing angry accusations. Instead of considering others better than themselves, too many Christians think they are better than others. Instead of praying for people who despitefully use them, Christians are praying that God judge those people. Instead of making disciples of Christ, too many Christians are letting their mean attitude drive people away from Jesus.

To be a witness for Christ requires living beyond your own opinions, desires, and feelings. It requires laying down your pride and humbly speaking the truth in love. Until Christians are willing to daily obey the living Jesus as their Lord (absolute Ruler and Master) their witness will be about themselves and their desires, not about Christ.

I remember when Christians were much more focused on, excited about, and passionate about Jesus than about politics. I miss those days!