I was sitting around a table with a few guys the other day, and when the topic of evangelism came up, one of them said, “I never talk with anyone about Jesus: I’m a silent witness.” I’d heard that before, but this time it got me thinking.
The idea of being a silent witness has become common. It is often supported by a` statement attributed to St. Francis of Assisi in the 13th century: “Preach the gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” It’s become the mantra of the silent witness program.
But did St. Francis really say this? While he often addressed the importance of supporting our words with our lives, there’s no indication he ever said or intended for actions to replace words. And for good reason: it’s counter to the teachings of scripture.
So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ. Romans 10:17
No one called as a witness is expected to take the stand and sit in silence without saying a word. Why? Because they’re part in s trial is to tell what they’ve seen, heard, and experienced so the jury can make an informed decision. The words “silent” and “witness” in the quest for truth is an oxymoron.
It takes words—written or spoken—for someone to understand the truth of sin, separation from God, the death and resurrection of Jesus, repentance, forgiveness, and salvation. No one comes to Jesus without this, which is why He’s called all His followers to be communicators of the good news.
…God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are ambassadors of
Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us…” 2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Does this mean we’re not to demonstrate the reality of Jesus through our lives? Of course not. But it’s never to be thought of as a special calling because it’s the expected norm of all who follow Jesus:
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Evidence and testimony are critical parts in any legal proceeding. Evidence is about things that can be seen and touched, and testimony is about words. Living as ambassadors of Christ means demonstrating the reality of God through our lives (evidence) in a way that opens opportunities to use words to communicate the good news of Jesus (testimony).
Then why have so many opted for the silent witness approach? I think it’s for two primary reasons. The first is because most lack the confidence to clearly communicate the gospel. While they’re convinced it works because of the difference it’s made in their own lives, they fear they don’t know enough to effectively present it to others.
The second is closely related to the first. Most churches fail to equip their people to be effective communicators of the gospel because they’ve adopted inviting people to church as the preferred method of evangelism. While inviting is good, it falls far short of what Jesus had in mind in the Great Commission, which was spoken before the church even existed! Reaching people with the gospel has always been about relationships and conversations.
So, is being a silent witness good? Yes! Is it enough? No!
God uses different people at different times to help those He loves on their journey of finding Him. This means we are always to be ready to plant, water, or reap as He opens opportunities (1 Corinthians 3:5-7). But seeing ourselves as specialists in just one of these areas erodes God’s bigger purpose and robs us of the joy of working with Him in what He’s doing.
So don’t sell yourself short. Sign up freshly every day, and then watch how God uses you in reconciling those He loves to Himself. If you do, it will thrill your soul and you’ll have stories to tell.