Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . Spontaneous.

You no doubt know about reflexes. When the doctor strikes you on the knee it kicks forward. For (very ticklish) people, just to talk about tickling them makes them laugh and wiggle. When someone startles you, you jump in surprise.

Some reflexes come naturally; others are learned. It is a natural reflex to kick your leg when your knee is hit. It is natural to jump when you are startled. Some reflexes do not come naturally and actually have to be learned. When you were a child your parents taught you to say “Yes ma’am,” and “No ma’am,” and “Yes sir,” and “No sir.” They had to teach you to say, “Please,” when you wanted something and to say, “Thank you,” when you received something. These words do not come naturally, but are taught. Yet, at some point they are almost natural, that is, after we have used them for many years.

Much the same way is our spontaneous Christian witness. The reason we call it Lifestyle Evangelism is because our witness of the good news (evangel) may take a while to learn. It may even take years of practice. Yet, the goal is that, at some point, it will be almost natural.

At this time in your life it might be more difficult to speak of your faith and even to give an answer for the hope you have in Jesus. But with patience and practice, putting your mind to it, it will become easier and easier until it becomes a natural part of your thinking, speaking and doing. Thus, when the opportunity presents itself, as God gives the opportunity, your Lifestyle Evangelism reflexes will “kick in,” and you will be able to give a natural answer for the hope you have. This natural witness will not seem fake or forced, but natural because it will, by this time, be a natural part of who you are and how you live.

What an awesome gift God gives, and what an awesome privilege to be a part of His giving His gifts to others as He works in and through us to give the reason we have hope in Him. To Him be the glory.

4 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs