It is the third Friday of the month again, so we’ll continue focusing on a different area related to the Gospel. This week we’ll look at how we live out the Gospel where God has placed us.
Many of us have experienced times in our lives when we had to move somewhere, or were sent somewhere, and we had absolutely no idea why. Why there? Surely this is a mistake?
God does not make mistakes. We have moved to that new place or been sent to that country because that is the Lord’s plan for us, even if we can’t see it ourselves. Wherever we are, we are here because God wants us to be there. But once we’re there, how do we live out the Gospel?
This article isn’t meant to make you feel guilty about how you live out the Gospel, but to encourage and support you and share ideas that might help you act as ‘salt and light’ where you serve.
In Colossians 4:5-6, Paul writes, ‘Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.’
In these verses, Paul tells us that our witness for Christ is not limited to formal acts of evangelism. We display it every day through how we live and speak. As Christians, we are called to be wise in our interactions with those who do not yet know Christ, recognising that our actions often speak before our words. God places people in our lives for a reason; how we act towards them may be how they see the love of Christ.
Paul highlights that our conversations should ‘be always full of grace’. We live in a harsh, critical world, and as Christians we are called to speak differently, reflecting the character of Christ.
These verses from Colossians remind us that evangelism is not confined to special events or planned conversations. It is woven into the fabric of everyday life where God has placed us.
But what does this look like practically where we have been placed?
We are to connect with those around us.
It is believed that in more and more workplaces throughout the UK, people are less willing to build connections with their work colleagues. As a result, people are becoming less likely to take a genuine interest in their colleagues’ lives. As Christians, we have the opportunity to buck this trend by connecting with our work colleagues and those we see daily. By connecting with them and showing interest in them and their lives, we show Christ’s love. Let’s remember to see them as God sees them, made in His image.
Making time for those around us.
Many people regularly say, “I’ve barely got any time for myself.” But by being alert to the needs of those around us and then offering them the gift of your time, you powerfully show the love of Christ. You are putting their needs above yours, giving them your time to listen, help, and support them. By spending time with them, you get to know them and build a relationship.
Look for the opportunities to share your faith.
This isn’t saying we have to force Jesus in every conversation. But we have to be intentional and look for opportunities to share our faith. One that regularly comes up for many people is on a Monday morning, when someone asks, ‘What did you do at the weekend?’ This is an opportunity to say, “I went to church”. Another opportunity is when someone is going through a difficult or challenging time: saying, ‘I’ll be praying for you,’ or asking them, ‘Could I pray for you now?’ We’re not to hide our faith in Christ Jesus; we’re to share it.
Don’t get caught up in gossip.
It is very easy at work, when everyone is moaning about things and about people, to join in. To join in the gossip, to add to the negativity, to pour more fuel on the fire by airing your frustration about your boss or colleague. By doing this, we are not acting wisely; we are just joining in with everyone else. It is Christlike to respect authority, not just to their faces but behind their backs too.
Showing hospitality.
Look for opportunities to share hospitality with those around you. This could mean arranging to meet up for coffee, or even inviting them round for a meal. This might feel a little awkward for you and them at the start, but we are to share our lives with those around us; we are to connect with them and show the love of Christ. Jesus did exactly that, ate with people. One of the biggest things we can do is show hospitality and welcome people into our lives.
Remember, this is not about us; it is about tuning into the lives of those around us. God has placed you where you are for a reason. This is God’s mission.