In our 5-post series of blogs on the topic, A Winsome Witness, I want to conclude with the one I long for most. I find that it’s a lifelong quest. My hope is that increasingly, in every interpersonal encounter I have throughout the day, every day, I will bring the Spirit of Jesus with me. 

I’m also deeply aware how often I fall short of that longing. A recent near-collision while merging on the interstate comes to mind. If that incident had actually resulted in an accident, I’d have had to admit that one of the contributing factors was my impatience and territorialism. Perhaps you can relate. 

More personally, can you think of examples of settings you are in, or human encounters you have on a regular basis where it might make a significant difference to another person that you bring the Spirit of Jesus with you? Think about the ones you live with at home, and relate to at work, your neighborhood, or church.

Phil. 2:3-7 tells us,

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves…Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, though being in very nature God… made himself nothing by taking on the very nature of a servant…”

Friends, wouldn’t it be remarkable if God increasingly worked in us to the point where there might be something about the way we speak to and treat others, that they are strangely reminded…of Jesus?!

What an amazing influence and testimony that would be!

In closing this series of posts, I’ll remind us that we Christ-followers can indeed have an approach toward life that stands out because it’s engaging and attractive, rather than argumentative or judgmental.

  1. Be Grateful. The boundary lines have fallen for us in pleasant places.
  2. Choose Joy. It’s a voluntary choice in the face of any circumstances.
  3. Overflow with Hope. Let our hope splash onto desperately weary people.
  4. Embrace God’s Presence. He got there long before we did.
  5. Bring the Spirit of Jesus. What if our daily encounters with others subtly reminded them of Jesus?

Friends, in this combative, deflating season of political tension, and its post-election aftermath, could it be that you and I might be exceptions who, rather than contributing to conflict, bring a winsome witness of our faith? 

Appealing, engaging, captivating. Lord, may it be so.