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"Witnesses of God" from the 2020 Autumn Vision Newsletter
Reflecting on the goodness of God and all that He provides for us, we are moved to respond in some way. There are many ways that we can make our gratitude known, but one such way is following His command to carry out the mission of the church. Jesus lays out that mission in Matthew 28:19-20: Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.
Each of us is tasked with the responsibility to share the gospel with those around us. Not only is it our responsibility to proclaim the gospel clearly to all people, but we hope that our testimony will be accepted. This doesn’t mean we to try force others to accept Jesus; rather, it means that our own actions and conduct must be the proof that we are disciples of Jesus. This is what makes us credible witnesses and help others to more clearly see the truth found in the gospel.
As with all things, it is in Jesus Christ that we find our example. In His trial with Pontius Pilate, Jesus says, You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth (John 18:27). Jesus’ witness to the truth was believable because of the works that He had done throughout His life – preaching the truth of His Father, caring for people around Him, showing compassion to sinners, and ultimately, His sacrifice to take the punishment of the sins of all people.
We can only be witnesses of the gospel if we are credible, that is, if we show ourselves to be worthy of the message we proclaim.
In following the example of Jesus, as witnesses of His gospel, we should be:
- Confident. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Our faith gives us firm confidence in that for which we hope. When we have faith in God, our confidence in Him can be perceived by those around us.
- Determined to overcome evil. If we give in to temptations and make no real effort to avoid sin, then our testimony as a Christian is not credible. As followers of Jesus Christ, our mindset changes, and our desire for a relationship with God can help us to overcome evil. After all, we have promised to renounce evil in our Confirmation vow.
- Humble. With a humble heart, we recognize our own sinfulness. It is only because of Jesus that we have the opportunity to be reconciled with God. Out of humbleness and gratitude, we do what Jesus expects of us. This starts with not judging others for their own sinfulness, as He instructs in Matthew 7:1 – Judge not, that you be not judged.
- Unbound. When we are bound by material things or we place high value in our own honor or ego, we align ourselves more with the mindset of this world. When we are unbounded to these things, it is easier for us to transform into the nature of Jesus Christ and even forgive others who cause us harm.
- Filled with love for God and our neighbor. My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth (1 John 3:18). Because we love Jesus, we have a desire to share this love with others. Through our acts of love, some of which may cause us inconvenience or even suffering, we demonstrate our love for God and all His creation.
*Based on an excerpt from the Chief Apostle at an International District Apostle Meeting in Vienna.