Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . life in action.

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV). Paul’s words, originally sent to the Christians at Corinth, are meant for us today. As the Corinthian Christians slipped into the habit of resting on their grace, so we fall into that same habit today. Paul’s message is that we are indeed free as Christians, but with freedom comes the responsibility not to abuse our freedom. We have the privilege (responsibility, or as Luther would say, duty) to live our lives to God’s glory.

What makes this profound news a lifestyle evangelism tip? Simply this: Jesus did not give us the command to go out and convert people. He gave us the command to go out and make disciples. He gave us the command always to be ready to give an answer for the hope we have in our faith in Him. One way we make disciples is by our actions. You know the old saying, “Actions speak louder than words.” Add to this wisdom the fact that Paul says to do all things to the glory of God, and you have a super witness.

Apply this adage to your daily life, at home, at play, at work. Have you ever thought, “What would Jesus do if He were to make the decision I have to make?” (Understanding that it is only with His help that we can ask or make such a decision and carry it out.) The reality of this is that, because of our living in such a pluralistic society, we may not want to use the above question as a criteria for our decisions; it just is not practical, we often think. Try it.

Being a good witness is not converting a lot of people. You may never even see any fruits of your labor (converts). Being a witness simply means letting Christ live in you in such a way that whatever you do, you do to God’s glory. To God always be the glory.

40 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs