Because it’s important, I want to give a brief recap of my remarks last Sunday as our “Inspire Our Witness” series continues.

Many of us are familiar with the quote attributed to St. Francis “Preach the Gospel at all times, use words if necessary.”  While this saying is good in reminding us of the importance of our actions and of having what we do match up with what we say we believe, it fails as true witness.  What is more, in his day Francis was a formidable preacher and one who sent his own followers out to preach.  This quote, erroneously attributed to him, is contradicted and refuted by Francis’ own life and ministry!

The Gospel is good news, and news by definition is conveyed and communicated.  People cannot deduce the Gospel solely by our actions any more than we can deduce the headlines of the day simply by watching those around us.  No, the only way we get the news is by listening, watching, or reading.  The only way we get the news is by having it communicated to us.  The same is true for the good news of the Gospel.

“Preach the Gospel, use words if necessary” is wholly inadequate. I think we need to shelve it and stop hiding behind it! It is better to revise the saying along these lines: “Preach the Gospel at all times. Both words and actions are necessary.”

Better still is for us to take to heart 1 Peter 3:15: “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Several factors make this a better description and example of true witness:
-It presumes relationship. This is not about strangers running up to you on the street, nor is it you standing on the street corner shouting at all who pass by.  This verse assumes people who know you well enough to notice there is something different about you – in existing relationships with people you already know.
-It presumes you are walking the walk. It assumes you are living out the Gospel well enough that those around you become aware of a discernible difference in your manner of life.  It is this difference that gives rise to their curiosity and questions.
-It presumes the love of God. This is really part of walking the walk, but I am listing it separately here.  Treating others with gentleness and respect is a manifestation of the love of God in our own life.  It means we listen and respond and don’t try to cram the Gospel down anyone’s throat.  It means we are motivated by the compassion and love God has for all of us.

Are you prepared?  This is the critical question. How would you respond should someone ask you about the hope that you have?  Last Sunday I asked those present to spend a few moments thinking about and writing down the highlights of their own journey in Christ.  What difference has Jesus made in your own life?  When did you know that you really knew Christ? What does your faith mean to you now?  Thinking ahead of time about such things helps us to be prepared.  I commend it to you and ask you to give it a try.

Lord, inspire our witness to you! Help us preach the Gospel at all times by what we say and what we do!

See you Sunday!
-Bill